The postholders will work with the Area Engagement and Partnership Managers to identify, communicate and engage with the range of voluntary sector organisations working with individuals and their families within the CJS ensuring Clinks provides effective support to help voluntary organisations better meet their aims. To enable Clinks to share information about the sector with HMPPS and other stakeholders.
They will also work closely with the National Influencing and Networks Team.
It is essential for the postholder to be based within, and have strong knowledge of the geographical area they will be covering.
Please visit our websiter for more information about our area based work.
Please note: Clinks would welcome the opportunity to discuss potential secondments from locally or regionally based voluntary organisations.
About Clinks
Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families.
Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives.
Job purpose
To identify, communicate and engage with the range of voluntary sector organisations working with individuals and their families within the CJS across a geographical area ensuring Clinks provides effective support to help voluntary organisations better meet their aims. To enable Clinks to share information about the sector with HMPPS and other stakeholders
Job summary
These roles will increase awareness and understanding of the criminal justice voluntary sector operating within East of England and the South Central & South West. The post holder will undertake an initial analysis project to identify place-based voluntary sector organisations and the range of and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families. They will identify place-based needs and lead on the collation and sharing of information across the Clinks team and with stakeholders, to highlight the challenges and opportunities. The post holder will need to build new, and nurture existing relationships, with key partners and a range of agencies across sectors.
The post will work within the Area Engagement & Partnerships Directorate and with other Clinks’ staff to identify new members and engagement opportunities, deliver events and training, and provide opportunities to support the capacity and capability needs of the voluntary sector, with a focus on place-based small and specialist organisations working in the CJS.
The post will deliver activity to meet funder requirements, aims and objectives.
Reports to: Area Engagement and Partnerships Manager
Responsible for: N/A
1. Duties and key responsibilities
Area Engagement and Impact
-
Identify and increase awareness of voluntary sector organisations based in the East of England and the South Central & South West, the range of and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families, where they deliver and how they are funded.
-
Understand the work of local and regional voluntary sector infrastructure organisations in a the East of England or South Central /South West to strengthen the support offered by Clinks and increase partnership working and collaboration.
-
Work alongside the National Influencing & Networks team to use this intelligence to influence key decision making at a local and national level.
-
Gather intelligence from the sector to identify and understand the needs of place-based organisations and share feedback with HMPPS and other key stakeholders to develop operational processes and influence future commissioning opportunities.
-
Provide support to voluntary sector organisations, keeping the sector informed and up to date and capturing the support provided and its impact.
-
Respond to requests from voluntary sector organisations in need of support and signpost or consider what assistance Clinks (and others) can provide.
-
Work alongside the Area Insights and Impact Officer to capture the needs of the sector and influence and inform future activity.
-
Provide regular area specific communications to organisations utilising Clinks communication channels to share good practice, resources and publications.
-
Produce regular blogs, case studies and social media activity to showcase the work of place-based voluntary sector organisations.
-
Develop and build upon existing place-based networks to support collaboration and co-ordination between the voluntary, statutory, and private sectors in the criminal justice system.
-
Provide information to help statutory partners and key stakeholders to understand the voluntary sector, its structures and how to work with it.
External Relationships
-
Identify and explore opportunities to develop relationships with area-specific agencies working within criminal justice including Probation, Prisons and local statutory agencies to increase knowledge of locally based voluntary sector services and establish, and embed Clinks’ support
-
Provide representation at various meetings, both internally and externally with partners and stakeholders.
-
Work collaboratively to ensure effective information flow across directorates and to and from the sector and stakeholders
-
Develop relationships with regional and local infrastructure organisations to widen Clinks reach and identify joint working opportunities.
2. General responsibilities
-
Represent and be an ambassador for Clinks
-
Work to support the mission, ethos, and values of Clinks
-
Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position
-
Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace
-
Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work
This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.
Person specification
Experience, Skills and Abilities
-
Significant experience of working or volunteering in the voluntary sector in the East of England
-
Relationship building and management with a range of stakeholders and networks.
-
Good attention to detail and ability to maintain effective records, utilising a range of different methods.
-
Ability to think strategically about the voluntary criminal justice sector, and to analyse and respond to change.
-
Ability to prioritise, multi-task and work under pressure, juggling a busy and varied workload.
-
Excellent IT and digital skills, including use of Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams and Zoom.
-
Adaptability and flexibility in being able to deal with new situations quickly and efficiently.
-
Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken, and ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders, at all levels of seniority.
-
Convening meetings, arranging and chairing events both in-person and online.
-
Ability to support and coordinate a complex network of organisations including representing diverse views, and promoting their work and issues.
-
A collaborative approach to working with colleagues but also able to work alone.
-
Highly organised with good project and time management skills.
Knowledge
-
Role of the voluntary sector in addressing social exclusion.
-
The criminal justice context and related policy.
-
Understanding the role of national and local infrastructure organisations
-
An understanding of East of England geographical area
Personal attributes and other requirements
-
Able to travel extensively across the East of England with occasional travel across England and Wales.
-
Able to work evenings and weekends and stay away from home overnight where necessary.
-
Work well as part of a small team and independently, with a flexible approach to work.
-
Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
-
Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system.
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!
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for an exceptional Director of Fundraising and Communication who will lead our fundraising and communications with vision and purpose, helping us grow our reach, deepen our impact and amplify our voice. You’ll be joining a people-centred, mission-driven team, united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference. At a time when vulnerable young people face increasing challenges, our work has never been more urgent. If you’re motivated by impact and driven by purpose, this is a good opportunity to contribute to lasting change.
You will be stepping into a well-established and highly effective organisation, but one that remains energised by innovation and continuous improvement. We actively welcome fresh thinking and new approaches that help us evolve and enhance our work.
What will you do?
This is a pivotal moment to join JET as we build on fourteen years of impact and enter a new chapter in our journey. We have ambitious plans to expand our reach and influence, and we’re seeking someone who can help us strengthen our funding base and sharpen our message.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead and develop our fundraising team, shaping a cross-stream strategy and an integrated communications plan. You’ll be responsible for setting the strategic direction for fundraising, communications and events across the organisation. By doing so you will raise JET’s national profile, grow our supporter base and significantly increase income to support programme expansion.
You’ll bring strong experience across multiple fundraising streams, with a proven track record of securing significant multi-year funding and building lasting relationships with funders—both individuals and organisations. Alongside leading our fundraising efforts, you’ll take ownership of our brand, ensuring clarity and consistency in our messaging, helping partners tell our story, and securing positive media coverage.
You’ll lead the development of campaigns, fundraising and marketing activities, and digital engagement that not only enhance our national profile but also drive supporter engagement and income growth.
This is a home-based role, with travel required to and within the regions where we operate, including attendance at key events.
About you
You will provide strategic leadership across fundraising, communications, marketing and events. Your work will be closely aligned with JET’s five-year strategy, enabling continued growth in funding and programme delivery.
You’ll bring a wealth of experience in leading fundraising and communications at a strategic level, with a strong understanding of the sector and a track record of securing and sustaining major gifts and partnerships. You’ll be adept at managing integrated campaigns across multiple channels and growing income through sustainable funding models.
Your leadership style will be collaborative and empowering, with the ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability and innovation. You’ll be a confident communicator, able to inspire and influence, with excellent relationship-building skills and a strategic mindset.
Above all, you’ll be passionate about JET’s mission to empower young people facing adversity. You’ll be a credible ambassador, committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference.
Across the JET team we cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for our young people. We welcome applicants whatever your background and whatever your stage in life, so if you are returning to the workforce after a period away, or even seeking a change of pace, please get in touch.
About the Jon Egging Trust (JET)
At JET, we support vulnerable young people to get back on track and realise their potential; more than 45,000 young people right across the UK to date, and there’s so much more we can do. We’re an organisation that really values its people and we’re immensely proud that our team culture is based on caring and raising each other up.
Our benefits package includes:
-
Flexible working
-
Enhanced annual leave
-
Homeworking allowance
-
Occupational pension scheme
-
Occupational sickness scheme
-
Special paid leave provision
-
Enhanced family leave
Download the Candidate Information Pack
Read our Applicant Privacy Notice
Child and adult at risk protection policy statement
The Jon Egging Trust is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in its services and activities. The Trust takes its extended moral and legal duty of care very seriously in relation to children, young people, staff and volunteers. We seek to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and to protect them from harm or abuse when they engage in any of our activities. JET expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment.
To apply
Please complete our online application form.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The advert will close on Friday 16 January 2026 at [23:30] but may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found, so we encourage early applications.
Provisional Interview Process
Stage 1
-
First interview: Online interview
Stage 2
-
Online Workshop and fireside chat
-
Face-to-face interview with presentation in London
Questions?
Contact us through our website.
Please note:
Due to our anonymised recruitment process, if your application is not shortlisted, we are unable to provide personalised feedback.
To become an employee at JET, you must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK and a satisfactory DBS check – enhanced with children's barred is required for this role.
As part of our recruitment process, we want to make clear that we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
Please note that the interview process outlined above is provisional and may be subject to change.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.