Independent mental health advocate jobs in East of england
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job description
We are looking for someone with the values and commitment to increase the independence,self-confidence and access to new opportunities for people with learning disabilities and enduring mental health support needs. This will be across our Supported Living Services in Kingston.You will be supporting people to live independently in the community in their own homes.
Who we are
At Balance we are committed to empowering those we support to build independent, fulfilled and self-confident lives. We work hard to ensure our charitable values are central to the professional experience of those who work for us, with us and who benefit from our services. We operate a range of services in SW London including outreach and small homes-based services in Kingston and Richmond.
Who you are
You are someone with experience of or a commitment to developing aperson-centred approach in working with people with complex needs and challenges. You will be a collegiate player, and someone able to see beyond the barriers that people with disabilities experienceevery day. Your values and working practice will align with those of the charity to maximise the independence of those you are working with;to enable their ability to make decisions about the types of service they are in receiptof and to ensure that your approach is both professional and sustainable.
Key Responsibilities of this role
Your primary responsibilities will include:
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To work as part of a diverse and experienced team providing personalised support, advice and advocacy to people living independently or in supported accommodation.
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To apply a collegiate approach to deliverstrengths-basedsupport that maximises independence,knowledge and confidence of those using our services.
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To provide a key point of reference for information and support to those using the services and professionals and carers dependent on it.
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To work independently across the boroughs weoperatein, with people in their homes or in accessing support and resources across the community.
Critical Values in the delivery of this role
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A commitment to building independence and self-confidence amongst your colleagues as well as those you provide services to.
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Recognition of the skills,knowledge and commitment of those working around you and your contribution to them.
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A professional,can-do attitude that finds solutions in the darkest corners.
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A willingness to empower those around you to exercise authority to make mistakes, test things out and lead from the front.
Benefits in working for us
The charity ensures the following benefits for all its operational staff:
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A baseline commitment to pay London living wage for all its front-line staff.
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A commitment to training and professional development to at least Care Certificate
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Inclusion in and contribution to the charity's pension scheme, if eligible
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Access to a range of discount schemes
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Access to the charity's employeeassistanceprogramme
Application Instructions
Please apply through our website.
The development of services that support the independence of vulnerable people with learning disabilities and/or enduring mental health needs and the
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for someone with the values and commitment to increase the independence,self-confidence and access to new opportunities for people with learning disabilities and enduring mental health support needs. This will be across our Supported Living Services in Kingston.You will be supporting people to live independently in the community in their own homes.
Who we are
At Balance we are committed to empowering those we support to build independent, fulfilled and self-confident lives. We work hard to ensure our charitable values are central to the professional experience of those who work for us, with us and who benefit from our services. We operate a range of services in SW London including outreach and small homes-based services in Kingston and Richmond.
Who you are
You are someone with experience of or a commitment to developing aperson-centred approach in working with people with complex needs and challenges. You will be a collegiate player, and someone able to see beyond the barriers that people with disabilities experienceevery day. Your values and working practice will align with those of the charity to maximise the independence of those you are working with;to enable their ability to make decisions about the types of service they are in receiptof and to ensure that your approach is both professional and sustainable.
Key Responsibilities of this role
Your primary responsibilities will include:
-
To work as part of a diverse and experienced team providing personalised support, advice and advocacy to people living independently or in supported accommodation.
-
To apply a collegiate approach to deliverstrengths-basedsupport that maximises independence,knowledge and confidence of those using our services.
-
To provide a key point of reference for information and support to those using the services and professionals and carers dependent on it.
-
To work independently across the boroughs weoperatein, with people in their homes or in accessing support and resources across the community.
Critical Values in the delivery of this role
-
A commitment to building independence and self-confidence amongst your colleagues as well as those you provide services to.
-
Recognition of the skills,knowledge and commitment of those working around you and your contribution to them.
-
A professional,can-do attitude that finds solutions in the darkest corners.
-
A willingness to empower those around you to exercise authority to make mistakes, test things out and lead from the front.
Benefits in working for us
The charity ensures the following benefits for all its operational staff:
-
A baseline commitment to pay London living wage for all its front-line staff.
-
A commitment to training and professional development to at least Care Certificate
-
Inclusion in and contribution to the charity's pension scheme, if eligible
-
Access to a range of discount schemes
-
Access to the charity's employeeassistanceprogramme
Application Instructions
Please apply through our website.
The development of services that support the independence of vulnerable people with learning disabilities and/or enduring mental health needs and the
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re looking for a highly skilled individual who will help build on our relationships and networks across Westminster, to deliver ambitious political leadership on a range of issues. The post holder will be responsible for leading advocacy interventions and providing political support to our policy experts, with a focus on Transport and Resources policy.
As a senior political adviser within the politics team, you will also be involved with, and lead on, major projects or themes of work across the political leadership theme (including the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Environment (APPG), which Green Alliance holds the secretariat for), managing and developing key external relationships and supporting the Director of politics as they lead the politics team.
You will need to be an exceptional communicator, adept at bringing people together around a shared vision and have the interpersonal skills to inspire and work across Green Alliance and liaise with our extensive network of partners.
You will be a highly organised, capable multi-tasker with experience managing projects and able to think on your feet, while managing multiple relationships and advocating plans concurrently.
The role entails identifying and leading on opportunities for the UK government to achieve environmental progress and implementing advocacy strategies to secure it. You will have direct access to senior policy makers and environmental leaders, so will need to articulate recommendations succinctly and persuasively.
The role requires excellent understanding of UK political processes (especially in Westminster, parliament and Whitehall) and experience of using it to influence policy effectively. Experience of operating within the system or of working directly with politicians and the media to achieve policy change would be a distinct advantage.
Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Working within Baobab's welcoming and dynamic admin team in our Therapeutic Community, the Engagement and Administrative Assistant is a dual role. In your Admin assistant role you will provide comprehensive administrative support to operational, research and advocacy teams. In your Engagement Assistant role, you will lead on developing a successful programme of youth activities at the Baobab Centre (as Baobab Youth Activities Coordinator) and will focus on prioritising young people’s engagement in advocacy and research.
Please read the attached Job Description & Person Specification plus the Clinical Context and Model document, attached to this add.
The Baobab Centre is a non-residential therapeutic community that offers support to young survivors of human rights abuses seeking refuge in the UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our vibrant team in the bustling heart of Birmingham.
As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. You will deliver a range of statutory advocacy services including Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) and Care Act Advocacy. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.
Hours of Work: Full-Time: 37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Location: Home based with travel around the Birmingham area.
(Applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport)
Salary: Starting Salary of £24,242.40 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Independent Advocate Requirements:
Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.
Desirable:
Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.
Benefits:
25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
1 Community Leave Day per annum.
Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
Auto enrolment Pension plan
Death in service cover.
Bike to work scheme.
Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do
At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.
Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait, click apply now!
Closing Date: 9AM, Friday 6th February 2026 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)
Interview Date: TBC
An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.
We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.
Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.
POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.
To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.
POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA)
Location: The GAIA Centre in Lambeth, London
Salary: £23,761.08 per annum, inclusive of London weighting allowance
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent
Hours: 30 hours per week (Tuesday-Friday). Please note that the the operating hours of the service are 8AM- 6PM Monday- Friday with the expectation to work on some days 8- 4pm or 10- 6pm to cover.
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Duty Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to be the first point of contact for women who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis and other gender-based abuse to provide high quality independent support to survivors all risk levels and their children..
In this role you will be part of a busy team. You will be the first point of contact for survivors who have been referred to the Gaia Centre. The duty IGVA will be responding to daily enquiries (specify from whom- public, agencies, individuals? over the phone and email as well as contacting survivors, assessing their risks and needs.
The duty IGVA will be responsible for carrying out and implementing safety plans and needs and will ensure an effective handover to the over to the relevant GAIA team for ongoing support. The post holder will also empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. You will ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors.
As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.
Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing Date: 09:00am 8 September 2026
Interview Date: 17 and 18 September 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Help children and young people recover from sexual abuse.
Respond is looking for a compassionate and skilled Specialist Child and Young Person Advocate to join an innovative partnership delivering a new Child Sexual Abuse Support Hub.
Working alongside SurvivorsUK and other specialist organisations, you will provide trauma-informed advocacy and emotional support to boys, girls and non-binary children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a collaborative service that places children and young people at the centre of support, helping them understand their options, improve their safety and access the specialist services they need.
About the role
You will:
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Hold a caseload of children and young people requiring specialist advocacy and support.
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Provide practical and emotional support tailored to individual needs.
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Support children and young people to access health, education, social care, therapeutic and criminal justice services where appropriate.
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Work collaboratively with families, carers and professionals while ensuring the wishes and rights of the young person remain central.
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Contribute to safeguarding, risk management and multidisciplinary working across the partnership.
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Help improve access to services for children and young people who experience additional barriers, including disabled children and young people and those from under-represented communities.
Please note this is not a court advocacy or Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) role. Where ongoing ISVA or court support is required, you will work closely with partner organisations to ensure children and young people receive the right support at the right time.
About you
We're looking for someone who has:
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Experience supporting children and young people affected by trauma, abuse or exploitation.
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A strong understanding of safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.
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Experience working collaboratively across agencies.
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Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
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A commitment to equality, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice.
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Experience supporting autistic children and young people, those with learning disabilities, or additional needs would be highly valued.
Why Respond?
For over 30 years, Respond has been a national leader in supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities who have experienced abuse, violence and trauma. We are committed to delivering accessible, inclusive and person-centred services that enable people to recover, heal and thrive.
Joining Respond means becoming part of a supportive team that values collaboration, reflective practice and continuous learning while making a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people.
We welcome applications from everyone
We are committed to building a diverse workforce and particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience and those from communities that are under-represented in our workforce.
Respond is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Please ensure that you apply with a cover letter, any applications without a cover letter may not be considered for shortlisting.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As a Service Manager, you will lead the day-to-day delivery and ongoing development of the Newham Together Cafe, ensuring the service provides safe, high-quality, recovery-focused support to people experiencing or approaching a mental health crisis.
What you'll do
- Lead the operational delivery and development of the service, ensuring it meets contractual requirements, quality standards and the needs of the local community
- Provide effective leadership, line management, supervision and support to staff and volunteers, promoting a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture
- Monitor service performance, outcomes, capacity, safeguarding and risk, using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and ensure effective service delivery
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with NHS services, commissioners, local authorities and community organisations, representing the service at partnership meetings and multi-agency forums.
Please see the job pack for more information.
We endeavour to make sure that everyone with a mental health or emotional issue has somewhere to turn for advice and support.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are recruiting for a Children and Young People’s Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ChISVA) to support and empower young survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
The ChISVA will provide information, support, advice and advocacy to children and young people who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The post holder will deliver child-centred support to young survivors and non-abusing care givers around criminal justice processes, wellbeing, education and safety, while ensuring child protection procedures are followed at all times.
The post holder will work closely with other agencies such as Social Care, the Police, Education, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and voluntary sector organisations to ensure that children and young people are kept safe and are well supported. They will prioritise, assess, plan, evaluate and deliver all relevant aspects of support to an agreed and expected high standard.
This post is part of a countywide ISVA team providing a pro-active service to children, young people and adult survivors of sexual violence and abuse, within and outside of the criminal justice system.
For more information and to apply for the role, please click on the 'Redirect to Recruiter' button to visit our website where you will find all the documents and details required.
Providing specialist emotional, therapeutic and advocacy support to women and girls across Cambridgeshire impacted by sexual violence and abuse.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Young People Mental Health Service located in Ealing. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.
£30,784.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.
Our benefits include:
- Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
- Free DBS
- A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
- Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
- All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Oaklands is made up of a newly refurbished six-bedroom home, located close to each other in Ealing, West London. We work with up to 6 young people at a time, providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. Many of the young people joining us are moving on from hospital, stepping down from more intensive placements, or transitioning from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult services.
What you'll do:
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.
- Build supportive, trusting relationships with young people and help create a positive, welcoming atmosphere.
- Work proactively with other members of the team to manage the service caseload and carry out necessary administrative tasks.
- Conduct keywork sessions as required, using creative and engaging approaches to help young people achieve their Support Plan goals.
- Work collaboratively with young people to assess and manage risks, supporting positive risk-taking and shared decision-making.
About you:
- Ability to advocate for young people in a variety of professional and community settings.
- Values working collaboratively with young people to ensure the service truly meets their needs.
- Understands the impact of individual context, including experiences of trauma and adversity, on young people's lives and mental health.
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent, or experience supporting young people or individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Desirable
- Experience working in complex mental health environments, supported accommodation, or similar settings.
- Understanding of trauma-informed and psychologically informed approaches.
- Experience supporting people to develop independent living skills.
About us:
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Are you passionate about improving the health and well-being of your local community? Do you have the skills and compassion to support individuals living with long-term health conditions? We’re looking for a motivated Health & Wellbeing Facilitator to join our dedicated team at Age UK Bromley & Greenwich.
About the Role
As a Health & Wellbeing Facilitator, you will play a pivotal role in delivering our Long-Term Health Conditions Programme. This includes leading self-management workshops, organising peer support groups, and empowering clients to make positive lifestyle changes. You’ll be a key player in helping individuals build confidence, enhance their health knowledge, and take control of their well-being. Working closely with colleagues and volunteers, you’ll connect clients to valuable services, create support networks, and make a tangible difference in their lives.
What You’ll Do:
- Work with the Lifestyle Coordinator to plan and deliver engaging health and well-being workshops for individuals with ongoing health conditions.
- Facilitate support groups, training and supervising volunteer peer mentors to provide targeted, condition-specific guidance.
- Collaborate with partner organisations to ensure a smooth referral process for additional services like Befriending, Carer Support, and Handyperson services.
- Provide personalised support through various channels, including face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and online communication.
- Help clients develop essential skills, such as managing medication, reducing stress, and communicating with healthcare providers.
- Monitor programme outcomes, maintain accurate client records, and contribute to continuous service improvement.
About You
We’re looking for someone with excellent communication skills, a proactive attitude, and a genuine passion for helping others. You should have experience working with individuals who face health challenges and a commitment to promoting independence and well-being. Knowledge of local resources and services is a plus, as is experience in organising health-related workshops or programmes.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Strong communication skills with a track record of supporting individuals facing health challenges.
- A basic understanding of long-term health conditions and how they impact physical, emotional, and social well-being.
- Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
- A flexible and adaptive approach to meet the needs of our clients.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
At Age UK Bromley & Greenwich, we are passionate about making later life a time to enjoy. Join a supportive, mission-driven team where your work is valued and where you’ll have the chance to make a real difference in your community. We value equality, respect, and creativity, offering a collaborative and flexible work environment.
What We Offer:
- 27 days of annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme with a competitive employer match.
- Hybrid working options considered (after completion of Probation Period) to support work-life balance.
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme for mental, financial, and physical well-being support.
We're a local charity working in the community to support older people, their families and carers. We want everyone to be able to love later life.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Help make healthcare work better for people experiencing homelessness
Thank you for your interest in joining Groundswell.
We're looking for someone who believes everyone should be able to access healthcare with dignity, whatever their circumstances.
As our Homeless Health Peer Advocacy (HHPA) Development Manager, you'll help make that happen by building the partnerships that enable people experiencing homelessness to access the healthcare they need.
At Groundswell, we know that good services alone aren't enough. Lasting change happens when health, housing and homelessness organisations work together around the person, sharing responsibility, building trust and removing barriers to care. This role exists to make that collaboration happen in practice.
Working across London, you'll strengthen partnerships, improve referral pathways and help embed HHPA within local systems so that more people can access timely, coordinated and person-centred healthcare. You'll also lead our Health Promotion programme, support the development of staff and volunteers, and help shape the future growth of the service.
This is an opportunity to improve individual lives by helping organisations work better together. Through your leadership, you'll help create a more connected health and homelessness system—one where people experiencing homelessness can access healthcare with confidence, dignity and choice.
If you're passionate about collaboration, committed to tackling health inequalities and excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of Homeless Health Peer Advocacy, we'd love to hear from you.
About Groundswell
For 30 years we've worked alongside people with lived experience to develop practical solutions that improve health, reduce inequalities and create opportunities for lasting change. We believe that people who have experienced homelessness are experts in the barriers they face and should play a central role in designing services and shaping the systems that affect them.
Today, Groundswell delivers peer-led services, helping thousands of people each year access healthcare, improve their wellbeing and influence the systems that affect their lives. As HHPA Development Manager, you'll join a supportive organisation that believes lasting change happens through relationships, partnership and involving people with lived experience at all levels.
Our Vision
Our vision is for a society which is fair, inclusive and equal.
We need equitable access to a healthier life and a better future for anyone with experience of homelessness.
Our Mission
Our mission is to bring people together to:
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Amplify voices of people with lived experience to create solutions to homelessness and health inequalities.
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Stand in solidarity and champion their rights, to create positive change.
Our Strategy
We co-produced our strategy with staff and volunteers with experience of homelessness. We’re proud to have remained true to our values of participation and co-production.
Stronger Voices, Healthier Lives, Better Futures, Greater Together
People with experience of homelessness must inform the solutions – because they understand the problems people face.
At every stage, we will hear, unite and amplify more voices of people with lived experience to speak out. Through participation we will build a stronger, more inclusive community to create change – through our organisation, in services, our sectors and wider society, locally and nationally.
Homelessness is a health emergency.
We will work to end health inequalities for people who have or are experiencing homelessness through advocacy, practical support, information and by influencing people, policy and services.
Everyone deserves a better, more hopeful life and future.
Lived experience of homelessness can lead to barriers that impact people’s life chances.
Recognising the potential in everyone, we will provide more opportunities and support for people with experience of homelessness to progress if, and when, they are ready.
We can’t achieve our goals alone – we are more impactful when we pull together.
We will become more effective and sustainable, building on our culture of relationships, compassion and transparency, and working closely with partners to learn, share and create change.
How Homeless Health Peer Advocacy Works
HHPA helps people experiencing homelessness overcome the barriers that prevent them accessing healthcare.
Many people face significant challenges navigating health services. Appointments can be difficult to attend, treatment can be confusing, and previous experiences of stigma, trauma or exclusion can make healthcare feel inaccessible. Without the right support, people often delay seeking help until their health has deteriorated.
"I need someone with me that I know that I can trust. I wouldn't do things like that on my own."
HHPA Client
HHPA provides practical, person-centred support that helps people access the care they need while building the confidence to manage their own health. Rather than providing one-off interventions, HHPA works alongside people over time, developing trusted relationships, responding flexibly to changing needs and supporting people to become more confident and independent.
The service combines the expertise of skilled Caseworkers with the unique insight of trained volunteer Peer Advocates who have lived experience of homelessness. Together they provide one-to-one advocacy, practical support and health promotion to help people:
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register with healthcare services
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prepare for and attend appointments
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understand treatment and care plans
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navigate hospital admission and discharge
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access wider health and wellbeing services
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make informed decisions about their health
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become increasingly confident in managing their own health.
Alongside one-to-one support, HHPA delivers peer-led health promotion in hostels, day centres, outreach settings and other community spaces. Through informal conversations and group activities, Peer Advocates share accessible information about physical health, mental health and wellbeing, encourage preventative healthcare, identify unmet health needs and help people access support earlier. These conversations often provide the first step towards engaging with healthcare, creating trusted pathways into ongoing advocacy and reducing the need for crisis intervention.
Rather than doing things for people, HHPA works alongside them—building trust, reducing barriers and enabling people to become active participants in their own healthcare. This relational, peer-led approach improves individual health outcomes while strengthening partnerships across health, housing and homelessness services, helping more people access coordinated, person-centred care.
The Role
The HHPA Development Manager is a key leadership role within Groundswell's HHPA service.
You'll help shape how people experiencing homelessness access healthcare by strengthening partnerships across London's health, housing and homelessness system while leading the continued development of our Health Promotion programme.
People experiencing homelessness often interact with multiple services but still experience fragmented care, missed opportunities for prevention and barriers to accessing the support they need. HHPA bridges these gaps through trusted relationships, peer-led advocacy and health promotion. This role helps create the partnerships, systems and programmes that make that possible.
This isn't a traditional partnership management role focused on maintaining stakeholder relationships. It's a practical, hands-on leadership role that brings organisations together, supports colleagues to deliver excellent services and identifies opportunities to improve how healthcare is delivered and experienced.
Working closely with the Services Director, Systems Manager and Health and Social Care Lead, you'll help ensure HHPA remains well connected, continually improving and responsive to changing need.
The role combines five key areas of responsibility:
Leading the Service
Providing day-to-day operational leadership, supporting colleagues and helping ensure HHPA is delivered safely, consistently and effectively.
Building Partnerships
Developing strong relationships with NHS organisations, local authorities, homelessness services and voluntary organisations to embed HHPA and strengthen collaborative working.
Leading Health Promotion
Developing and overseeing Groundswell's Health Promotion and In-Reach programme, working with partners to deliver accessible, peer-led health promotion that encourages earlier engagement with healthcare.
Growing HHPA
Using learning from frontline delivery and partnership working to improve services, develop new approaches and support the expansion of HHPA into new boroughs and communities.
Developing People
Supporting, developing and inspiring staff and volunteers through reflective supervision, shared learning and a culture that values lived experience, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Together, these responsibilities make this a varied and influential role where you'll help shape both the future of HHPA and the wider health and homelessness system.
Role Description
As HHPA Development Manager, you'll provide operational leadership for key areas of Groundswell's Homeless Health Peer Advocacy service.
You'll lead the development of strategic partnerships, oversee the delivery and growth of our Health Promotion programme, support and develop staff and volunteers, and identify opportunities to strengthen and expand HHPA.
Working closely with the Services Director, Systems Manager and Health and Social Care Lead, you'll help ensure the service is well connected, evidence-informed and continually improving, so that more people experiencing homelessness can access timely, coordinated and person-centred healthcare.
Building Partnerships:
Develop trusted relationships across health, housing and homelessness services so organisations work together more effectively and people experiencing homelessness can access timely, coordinated healthcare.
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Build and sustain relationships with NHS organisations, local authorities, homelessness services and community partners.
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Support the Services Director to develop relationships with commissioners and strategic partners.
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Represent Groundswell at operational meetings, networks and multidisciplinary teams.
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Champion peer-led health advocacy and the involvement of people with lived experience.
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Work with partners to identify shared challenges and develop practical solutions.
Embedding HHPA in Local Systems:
Help ensure HHPA becomes an established and valued part of local health and homelessness systems by strengthening collaboration and improving access to the service.
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Embed HHPA within partner organisations' day-to-day practice.
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Strengthen collaboration between HHPA staff and local services.
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Develop and improve referral pathways.
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Support timely, appropriate referrals and monitor referral activity.
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Identify and resolve barriers to effective partnership working.
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Work with the Systems Manager to strengthen systems that support collaboration.
Leading Health Promotion:
Lead the development of Groundswell's peer-led Health Promotion and In-Reach programme, helping people engage with healthcare earlier through accessible, trauma-informed support in hostels, day centres and community settings.
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Develop partnerships that expand Health Promotion opportunities.
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Oversee delivery across boroughs.
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Develop accessible health information with communications colleagues.
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Monitor quality, impact and learning and produce reports for funders
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Ensure activities are delivered safely, including venue risk assessments where required.
Leading and Developing People:
Create a supportive, high-performing culture where staff and volunteers can thrive.
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Line manage a team of Caseworkers and support volunteers.
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Provide reflective supervision that encourages learning, wellbeing and high-quality practice.
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Promote continuous learning and reflective practice.
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Working alongside the Volunteer Management team, support volunteer recruitment, induction and ongoing development.
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Foster collaboration, accountability and shared learning across teams.
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Use coaching and asset-based approaches to help staff and volunteers recognise their strengths, build their skills and reach their potential.
Improving Services:
Use learning from partnerships, health promotion and complex casework to strengthen HHPA and improve system responses.
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Work with the Health and Social Care Lead to improve multi-agency responses.
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Identify opportunities to develop and expand HHPA.
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Support the introduction of services in new boroughs.
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Share innovation and best practice across the organisation.
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Contribute to continuous improvement.
Supporting Service Delivery:
Alongside your strategic responsibilities, you'll help ensure HHPA delivers a responsive, safe and reliable service every day.
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Participate in the HHPA duty system, including occasional early and late shifts.
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Maintain effective communication with partners around referrals and triage.
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Work with colleagues to resolve operational challenges.
General Responsibilities:
As a member of the HHPA leadership team, you'll contribute to the wider development of Groundswell.
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Contribute to organisational planning and Team Leads meetings.
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Champion equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice.
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Promote trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred approaches.
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Ensure all work reflects Groundswell's values and commitment to lived experience.
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Undertake other duties appropriate to the role.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role is measured not simply by the partnerships you build, but by the difference those partnerships—and Groundswell's Health Promotion programme—make to people's lives and to the way health and homelessness services work together.
In your first year, you will have:
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Built trusted partnerships across London's health, housing and homelessness system, establishing Groundswell as a valued and reliable partner.
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Embedded HHPA within local services, strengthening referral pathways and making it easier for people experiencing homelessness to access timely, coordinated healthcare.
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Led and developed Groundswell's Health Promotion and In-Reach programme, expanding peer-led health promotion across London and creating more opportunities for people to engage with healthcare earlier, in trusted community settings.
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Supported and developed Caseworkers, volunteers and colleagues, creating a positive culture of reflection, collaboration and continuous learning.
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Worked alongside colleagues and partner organisations to improve responses for people with complex needs, removing barriers to healthcare and strengthening multidisciplinary working.
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Used learning from partnerships and frontline delivery to improve existing services, support innovation and contribute to the growth of HHPA into new boroughs.
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Helped strengthen the wider health and homelessness system by promoting earlier intervention, improving collaboration and ensuring more people experiencing homelessness can access healthcare with dignity, confidence and choice.
Above all, you'll have created the conditions that enable both excellent health advocacy and impactful Health Promotion to thrive. By bringing organisations together, supporting colleagues and volunteers, and embedding peer-led approaches within local systems, you'll help more people experiencing homelessness access healthcare earlier, experience better outcomes and receive more connected, compassionate and person-centred support.
Working as Part of the HHPA Leadership Structure
These roles work closely together, combining strategic leadership, operational delivery, partnership development and specialist expertise to ensure HHPA is safe, effective and continually improving.
The HHPA service is delivered through a collaborative leadership model:
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Services Director
Provides strategic direction, secures funding, and holds overall accountability for delivery, performance and growth.
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Systems Manager
Designs and maintains the systems, processes and infrastructure that enable safe, efficient and compliant delivery.
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Health and Social Care Lead
Leads on supporting individuals facing the greatest barriers, providing specialist knowledge and navigating complex health and social care systems.
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Development Manager (this role)
Ensures HHPA is embedded within local systems and relationships, so that partnerships translate into effective access to healthcare in practice.
Together, these roles ensure the service is:
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Well designed (systems)
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Well connected (development)
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Effective for those with greatest need (health and social care)
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Strategically led and sustainable (director)
Our work is:
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Person-centred — responding to individual needs
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Peer-led — shaped by lived experience
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Collaborative — built through partnership
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Rights-based — focused on access and equity
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System-focused — working to create lasting change
We understand that care is demonstrated through consistent, reliable and thoughtful practice — in how we communicate, follow up, and deliver support.
Person Specification
At Groundswell, we know there is no single route to becoming a great manager. You may have gained your experience through paid work, volunteering, community organising, supporting people experiencing homelessness or other forms of social exclusion, or through your own lived experience. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds who share our values and commitment to improving people's lives.
We're looking for someone who shares our values, enjoys building relationships and wants to help create a health and homelessness system that works better for everyone.
What We're Looking For
A) Core Requirements:
We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Experience of building and developing partnerships across health, housing, homelessness or voluntary sector organisations dealing with similar issues.
- Experience of leading, supporting or managing staff and helping others to develop.
- Experience of working collaboratively across organisations to improve services or outcomes.
- The ability to build trusted relationships with a wide range of people, including frontline staff, senior managers, commissioners and people with lived experience.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and work effectively in a complex environment.
- Sound judgement when responding to risk, safeguarding concerns and sensitive situations.
- A commitment to Groundswell's values of lived experience leadership, participation, equity, compassion and collaboration.
B) Knowledge and Experience:
The successful candidate is likely to have knowledge or experience of:
Essential:
- The barriers people experiencing homelessness face when accessing healthcare.
- Health, housing and adult social care systems, and how they work together.
- Trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred approaches.
- Building partnerships that improve services and outcomes.
- Safeguarding, professional boundaries and information sharing.
- Contributing to service development, quality improvement or organisational learning.
- Microsoft 365: Word, Excel, Teams and Outlook
Desirable:
- London's health and homelessness landscape.
- Health Promotion, outreach or community engagement.
- Co-production, peer-led services or lived experience leadership.
- Developing services across multiple sites or boroughs.
- Working within a duty-based or high-volume service.
- Salesforce or another case management or CRM system.
- Using coaching and asset-based approaches to support people to develop their skills, confidence and independence.
C) Personal Qualities:
We're looking for someone who is:
- An excellent relationship builder who enjoys bringing people together around a shared purpose.
- Compassionate, approachable and respectful in the way they work with colleagues, partners and people using our services.
- Curious and reflective, always looking for opportunities to learn and improve.
- Confident working across organisational boundaries and able to influence through collaboration rather than authority.
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a changing environment where no two days are the same.
- Passionate about reducing health inequalities and improving access to healthcare for people experiencing homelessness.
- Reflective and solution-focused, with a commitment to learning and continuous improvement.
We'd Particularly Welcome Applications from People Who Have:
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Lived experience of homelessness or another form of social exclusion.
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Experience of working in partnership with local communities.
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Experience of co-production or supporting people with lived experience to shape services.
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A commitment to using lived experience to influence systems and improve outcomes.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment:
Groundswell is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, migration, the criminal justice system, mental ill health, substance use or other forms of social exclusion.
We recognise that no one candidate will meet every requirement. If you believe you have the skills, values and potential to succeed in this role, we'd encourage you to apply.
Why Join Groundswell
Meaningful Work
This is an opportunity to improve not just individual lives, but the way services work together.
As HHPA Development Manager, you'll help shape partnerships that make healthcare more accessible for people experiencing homelessness. Your work will influence how organisations collaborate, how services are designed and how people experience care. Every partnership you strengthen and every barrier you help remove has the potential to improve health outcomes for people who are too often excluded from healthcare.
A Supportive Team
We're a values-led organisation where collaboration, compassion and lived experience shape everything we do. You'll work alongside experienced colleagues who are committed to learning from one another and supporting each other to do challenging work well.
We believe good leadership is rooted in reflection, openness and trust. Through regular supervision, reflective practice and close collaboration across the HHPA leadership team, you'll have the support and autonomy to develop your ideas, build strong partnerships and make a lasting contribution.
Learn and Grow
HHPA is continuing to grow, creating exciting opportunities to influence the future of the service.
You'll have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of health inequalities, partnership working and systems change, while developing your leadership skills and contributing to the expansion of Homeless Health Peer Advocacy across London. Whether you're looking to broaden your expertise, lead new initiatives or help shape the future direction of the service, we'll support your professional development every step of the way.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and work-life balance, including:
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28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
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5% employer pension contribution.
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Flexible and hybrid working, where service delivery allows.
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A compressed hours working pattern is available.
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Regular reflective practice and high-quality supervision.
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Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
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A supportive, inclusive and values-led working environment.
Be Part of Something Bigger
At Groundswell, we believe everyone should be able to access healthcare with dignity, whatever their circumstances.
By joining us, you'll help create stronger partnerships, more connected services and a fairer health system for people experiencing homelessness. You'll work alongside colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations who share a commitment to collaboration, lived experience and lasting systems change.
Better partnerships create better healthcare.
By bringing organisations together, supporting colleagues and strengthening the systems around people experiencing homelessness, you'll help ensure more people receive the care they need, when they need it.
If you're looking for a role where you can influence services, build lasting partnerships and help create fairer access to healthcare, we'd love to hear from you.
Application and Interview Process
Please let us know if you would like to request any accommodations or adjustments throughout the application and interview process. We will be very happy to support these wherever possible to give all applicants the best opportunity to showcase their skills and experience.
We encourage our candidates to draw from their personal and professional experiences, skills, knowledge and passion for our work in their applications, as we believe this will be the best representation of why you are the right fit for the role. While we acknowledge that Generative AI can be a useful tool when used selectively, we do not believe it can replace the authenticity each individual can bring to their application. Therefore, we ask you to consider carefully any use of Generative AI throughout the application process.
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Application
To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter. The cover letter should explain:
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How you meet each of the areas outlined in the person specification above
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Why you are interested in doing this job at Groundswell.
The deadline for applications is 10am on Monday 17th August.
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Interviews
Interviews will be held online on the week beginning August 24th.
If you do not have a computer or a suitable space to do an online interview, we can arrange for you to come into our office.
We are a small charity with limited resources and are unable to give individualised feedback on unsuccessful applications before the interview stage.
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Pre-employment checks
The job offer for the successful candidate will be subject to a reference and DBS check.
Many thanks for taking the time to look into this role – it is an exciting opportunity, and we hope you will consider applying.
We care about your privacy; read here how we manage your personal data.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Part Time – 2 days per week
London WC1X
Are you looking for a career move where you can use your key working and communication skills to help create homes and schemes that we can all be proud? Then join us as a Part Time Supported Housing Officer.
At Sapphire Independent Housing we are on an exciting journey. We have grown the business, expanded and diversified so that we can deliver much needed accommodation and services in London and Hertsmere.
Now we’re seeking a Supported Housing Officer to provide effective support to residents through individual support plans, with the aim of promoting independent living.
You will be helping to deliver good practice across the service, including assessing clients’ suitability for acceptance to the hostel, advising them of welfare benefits, housing, training and employment opportunities – and working with them to produce outcome focused support plans.
To join us as a Supported Housing Officer, we’re looking for:
- Experience in supported housing, with a thorough knowledge of welfare benefits, including housing benefit, and a proactive approach to rent arrears.
- Experience of assisting vulnerable people to identify personal goals through proactive and outcome focused support planning.
- Ability to deal positively and innovatively with clients exhibiting challenging behaviour, to build good working relationships, and to identify and assess risk.
- Experience of maximising income through dealing with housing benefit and welfare benefits.
- Ability to plan, organise and prioritise workload, meet deadlines and keep records.
- Ability to analyse and evaluate data and produce clear and concise reports.
- Ability to communicate, negotiate and influence – verbally and in writing.
- Willingness to work shifts on a 7-days rota system.
As an Investors in People Gold employer this is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive business that encourages employee development and growth from within. We offer a generous benefits package including interest free season ticket and bike loan scheme, private health and life insurance.
Appointments are subject to Sapphire Independent Housing receiving an enhanced DBS check which we consider acceptable.
To apply please email your CV and supporting statement (please note any applications without accompanying supporting statement will automatically be rejected).
Closing date for return of completed application: 5pm Friday 14th August 2026.
Interviews: w/c 17th August 2026
Sapphire is a charitable registered housing provider. We welcome all applications and value diversity in our workforce.
Sapphire's mission is to provide homes to improve lives and enable people to live independently.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Overview
Barts Health NHS Trust provides maternity and neonatal care for women and birthing people and their babies each year, providing all aspects of obstetrics and midwifery care in our labour ward, midwife-led birth centre and home birthing service.
North-East London (NEL) (Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest) Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) listens to the experiences of women, birthing people and families, and brings together service users, staff and other stakeholders to plan, review and improve maternity and neonatal care. MNVPs ensure that service users’ voices are at the heart of decision-making in maternity and neonatal services by being embedded within the leadership of provider trusts and feeding into the Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) and Integrated Care Board. This influences improvements in the safety, quality, and experience of maternity and neonatal care. We work to ensure that every woman and birthing person on the maternity and neonatal pathway has a chance to have their voice heard. We do not speak for them.
We are recruiting a Maternity Lead for Tower Hamlets, who brings the expertise of women/birthing people with lived experience of maternity services at Barts Health NHS Trust into the heart of the development of every aspect of maternity and neonatal services at the trust.
The role of Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) Lead is key to providing inclusive and collaborative leadership and ways of working, ensuring that all women and birthing people and their families’ views are heard and acted on. This is an exciting opportunity to review, shape and improve services and make a real difference to women, birthing people and their families.
This is a paid, self-employed job requiring 1.5 days per week (worked flexibly where possible). Working with the MNVP is an opportunity to become part of a vibrant team, improving care for our service users and enabling voices and engagement with our community.
The membership of the MNVP includes:
● Women, birthing people and families from a diverse range of backgrounds.
● Members of the wider community such as birth workers and charities specialising in mental health, supporting refugees, etc.
● Nurses, midwives, health visitors, doctors and managers.
This is a self-employed position on a fixed-term contract until March 2027. The successful candidate will not be entitled to employee benefits such as pension, sick pay, or holiday pay.
As a self-employed contractor, you are responsible for managing your own tax and National Insurance contributions. You will be required to invoice the organisation for your work at the end of each calendar month, and payment will be made within 21 days of receipt of a monthly invoice.
Please note: This role requires applicants to have lived experience of using maternity services at The Royal London Hospital and/or Tower Hamlets within the last five years (either by giving birth or receiving maternity care). The ability to speak Bengali, Urdu or Romanian is highly desirable and will be considered an advantage.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role overview
Shine supports a community of over 15,000 members living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, including 10,000 adults (25+).
You will be delivering high-quality support and creating opportunities for adults living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and their carers, supporting Shine members to lead healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives by improving condition management and fostering connections within the Shine community.
This role will focus on adults (25+), you will be primarily working within the Adult Services Team. However, there will be occasions when you will work across age groups to ensure the best outcomes for our members.
The role is home-based and ideally you will live within an hour commute of London, within Essex, Kent or Sussex as you will be attending clinics in London and the Southeast as required. There would be occasional travel required across wider areas and nationally including attendance at events, conferences and meetings at our head office in Peterborough.
The role is full time 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday with working core hours 9am-5pm with some flexibility to cover events evenings/weekends.
Key Responsibilities
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Deliver innovative support across your region to improve health, social, and emotional outcomes for members.
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Attend specialist clinics to engage with members and professionals.
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Provide information, advice, and guidance to our adult members and carers, including hard-to-reach communities.
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Support members to access benefits, services, and resources that promote financial stability, health, and independence.
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Refer members to Shine’s Health team, internal specialists, or external agencies as appropriate.
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Develop age-specific groups and peer support networks to reduce isolation and encourage social interaction.
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Recruit and support Shine volunteers.
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Contribute to regional and national events (face-to-face and virtual) based on member needs and interests.
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Represent Shine at conferences, provide information, raise awareness among professionals, external organisations, and the public through presentations and training.
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Promote Shine membership to individuals with relevant conditions.
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Maintain accurate records using Shine’s CRM (Salesforce database).
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Collaborate with colleagues across services, fundraising, marketing to identify opportunities for sustainability.
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Maintain an up-to-date directory of contacts and share relevant information internally.
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Undertake administrative tasks and other duties as required.
Other Core Requirements of Working for Shine
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Ability to travel across designated areas.
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Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to work outside core hours when required.
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Ability to work from home and manage lone working effectively.
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Self-motivated, with strong initiative and ability to work independently and as part of a dispersed team.
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Full Enhanced DBS check, UK Right to Work and satisfactory references required.
Benefits to working at Shine:
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Competitive salary: Review due April 2027
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Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)
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3% pension contribution
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25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year
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Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’
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Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
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Broadband allowance for home-based roles
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Life insurance after 12 months’ employment
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Access to our Employee Support Programmeand Mental Health First Aiders
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Support to learn and develop
Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job.
If you would like to discuss the role with our Deputy CEO, Gill Valentine, please contact to arrange a convenient time for a call.
To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria.
We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications.
Providing specialist advice and support for spina bifida and hydrocephalus


