Academic and welfare advisor jobs
WORKING WITH US
The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.
We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.
As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.
To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.
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ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic graduate to join our central team as one of three Harris Experience Programme Leads. The Harris Experience is a cultural and academic programme for our most able students in the Harris Federation, aiming to support them in getting placed at top universities and degree apprenticeships. The name ‘Harris Experience’ incorporates all of the specific programmes below.
You will be based at the Harris Federation head office in Croydon; however, most of your time will be spent visiting our academies in and around London. You will work closely with the Head of Harris Experience and the other Harris Experience Lead on programme vision, strategy and management.
Specifically, the role is to jointly support our team in leading our various educational programmes: the Harris Experience (HE), the Harris Experience Advanced (HEA), the Harris Scholars (HS) and the Harris Scholars Advanced (HSA), which are already in place from Year 9 through to Year 13.
The HE programme spans three years for each cohort, from Year 9 to Year 11; the HEA programme spans two years for each cohort, from Year 12 to Year 13. These programmes aim to broaden the cultural and academic experiences of some of our brightest disadvantaged young secondary students in the federation, preparing them to apply to the UK’s top university destinations and apprenticeships.
You will also be supporting our Harris Scholars (HS) and Harris Scholars Advanced (HSA) programmes which are specialised Oxbridge/medicine programmes. The HS programme spans two years for each cohort from Year 10 to Year 11; the HSA programme spans two years for each cohort, from Years 12 to Year 13.
Educational innovation will be encouraged and will be strongly tied to overall programme goals.
This role is offered on a three-year fixed-term contract, starting as soon as possible.
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MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Your responsibilities will include:
- Developing the vision for the HE, HEA, HS and HSA programmes.
- Initial identification of suitable students for entry into HE for Year 9, HS for Year 10, and HEA/HSA for Year 12
- Visiting academies regularly to meet students and/or staff
- Building a relationship with and supporting/training the academies’ most able coordinators (MACs)
- Developing programme materials and disseminating good practice at the academies for the most able
- Planning and delivering the federation most able meetings
- Organising and delivering one to one and group sessions with HE and HEA students at academies
- Organising events for the HS and HSA students
- Support the HSA subject societies
- Liaising with academy principals and relevant staff
- Working closely with Oxbridge and medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science students and tracking outcomes
- Organising and delivering the mock interview programme
- Overseeing the Oxbridge, medicine and Russell Group/Sutton Trust 30 UCAS applications and tracking outcomes
- Leading on the guidance for university personal statements, training teachers and working directly with students
- Working on ad hoc Harris Experience events at academies for Years 7 and 8 most able students
- Using UCAS, Bromcom and federation/academy data to track student progress
- Organising and leading the key annual HE, HEA and HS and HSA events
- Managing the output of written, social and visual media to generate positive marketing of the HE, HEA, HS and HSA programmes, eg: bulletins, news articles
- Developing and maintaining university and career-related links with relevant organisations.
- Developing and updating the HE and HEA website.
- Working with federation careers advisers to support the aspirations and destinations of HE and HEA students
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We would like to hear from you if you:
- Have high levels of literacy
- Are very articulate
- Have strong presentation skills
- Have strong organisational skills
- Have strong IT/data skills
- Have experience with working with young people
- Enjoy teamwork and working in different environments
- Have experience of the university applications process
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
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APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION
If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.
Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.
When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.
A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.
OUR VISION & VALUES
Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.
We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
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WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:
- Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
- Annual performance and loyalty bonus
- Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
- 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
- Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
- Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
- 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
- Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans
For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.
Thank you!
This is an exciting role in our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The government has just published a UK wide cross-government child poverty strategy, and made some historic commitments to reduce child poverty including scrapping the two-child limit and expanding free school meals in England. However, there is more to do, and this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to monitor the impact of these changes and influence policy makers and parliamentarians to ensure child poverty is high up the agenda.
We are looking for someone with a track record of communicating complex policy areas in an accessible manner to a range of non-specialist audiences. You will have knowledge of parliamentary processes and the different advocacy levers that can be used to influence change. You will enjoy working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions, working closely with colleagues across the organisation as well as externally.
In addition, in a senior policy officer we are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing CPAG’s policy and research programme, including leading the delivery of research projects, helping to shape our press and campaigns work, and contributing to the development of future projects including fundraising.
You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues.
The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, sharing analysis and expertise as part of the DWP’s review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of the green paper on the changes to disability benefits.
We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements, including considering part time hours. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.
Please note we are recruiting for one person with the right fit at either the policy officer or senior policy officer level.
For more information about this post and to apply download the (Senior) Policy Officer job pack.
If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process please contact us.
Closing date for applications: Monday 16 March (midnight)
Interviews will be held in London w/c 23 March.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Child Poverty Action Group works to prevent and end child poverty – for good.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Job Title: Chief Medical Advisor (SCS2)
Organisation: Department for Work & Pensions (DWP)
Salary: Circa £145,000
Locations: London, Leeds, Sheffield (hybrid, 60% in the office)
Key Benefits: Civil Service pension scheme (28.97% employer contribution), 25 days annual leave (+9 days of Bank Holiday leave)
Application Closing Date: Monday 2nd March, 10am
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is seeking a permanent Chief Medical Advisor. This is an SCS2 grade role and an outstanding opportunity to work in the largest Civil Service Department that touches the lives of citizens the length and breadth of the UK.
This is a unique opportunity for a senior medical professional to provide expert advice to inform policy, legislation, and delivery decisions at the UK’s biggest public service department, where we administer the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers.
This role will be the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for Clinical Governance and Clinical Profession. The postholder will build strong relationships with senior leaders, including the Permanent Secretary, ministers, and external stakeholders, ensuring clinical advice is accurate and of the highest quality. The role requires strong team leadership, promoting an inclusive environment for clinicians to encourage development and growth while ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
As the Department’s most senior medical professional, you will provide expert advice on clinical policy and clinical governance matters to DWP Ministers and senior leaders across DWP including the DWP Executive team. The role will also work closely with other clinical teams across government as well as external organisations such as regulatory bodies, external providers and charities.
The Department has an ambitious reform agenda including priorities set out in the Get Britain Working White Paper and the Pathways to Work Green Paper and a focus on tackling rising youth inactivity.
As Chief Medical Advisor you will bring professional expertise to complex problems, influencing right at the heart of decision making. You will be a strong relationship builder, able to work effectively across a large and complex organisation, and operate as an inspiring leader.
This role has four major components:
- Leading a team of approximately 50 colleagues providing clinical advice across DWP, you will act as the Department’s expert on clinical policy matters and work with officials across the Department to ensure Ministers receive the highest quality advice on clinical policy.
- Provide the in-house clinical advice relating to disability, work, and health within DWP for Ministers and the Executive team.
- Operate as Head of Clinical Profession, where you will be responsible for training, appraisal, and revalidation of c.200 clinicians in DWP, ensuring they are in good standing with their regulatory body. There is also a dotted line of professional responsibility to 5,500 healthcare professionals within contracted provider organisations.
- As SRO for Clinical Governance, you will oversee the DWP Caldicott Guardian and Clinical Safeguarding Lead, providing final sign-off for sanctions and waivers on behalf of the Secretary of State.
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their knowledge, experience and skills against the following essential criteria:
- Excellent strategic thinking skills, with the ability to understand both complex policy detail and high level, strategic connections across a broad portfolio and an outstanding eye for critical detail.
- Experience of delivering practical and innovative responses to complex issues and responding to unplanned circumstances.
- Strong technical skills relevant to clinical safeguarding with expertise in occupational health or functional medicine.
- Evidence of exceptional leadership and ability to lead multidisciplinary clinical education teams and / or programmes to ensure understanding of all roles across the 5,500 strong clinical profession, including the ability to motivate and inspire an experienced and diverse clinical team.
- Ability to demonstrate credibility to inspire the respect of both internal and external stakeholders at Director level and above.
Applicants must also meet the following qualification and membership requirements:
- A clinically active doctor with license to practise with GMC.
- Candidates must meet minimum ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD) requirements (i.e. be up-to-date) in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate recognised professional body.
- Medical qualification MBChB or equivalent.
It is desirable that applicants hold a faculty of medical leadership recognition to ensure profession leadership is credible.
A detailed candidate pack is available for more information on the vacancy.
Prior Civil Service experience is not a pre-requisite, however, applicants must demonstrate the ability to operate at scale in a complex environment. DWP are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our organisation, we welcome applications to help us reflect the citizens we serve.
This role can be based in the following DWP Hub locations: London, Leeds, or Sheffield.
Hybrid working policy: The expectation is that that this role would require the successful candidate to be in the office more than 60% of the time. Travel to other DWP and official locations including London is required which may include overnight stays.
Alongside your salary, the Department for Work and Pensions contributes 28.97% towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Applicants will be required to provide an up-to-date CV and supporting statement (up to 1,250 words) detailing how you meet the role’s requirements. You will also provide a completed online diversity monitoring form.
The closing date for applications is Monday 2nd March 2026 at 10:00am.
In addition to Security Check (SC) level clearance, this role will also be subject to an Enhanced Check. Candidates who do not already have this level of clearance can have this undertaken post-appointment. In all cases the appointment remains conditional on this level of security clearance.
DWP is recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, demonstrating the departmental commitment to attracting, recruiting and retaining disabled people and supporting them in achieving their full potential. We run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the advertised role. This vacancy is also part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Thank you!
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Policy Advisor (maternity cover) to join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University. At a time of big changes in the world of work, we are looking for a talented individual who shares our goal to tackle structural inequalities in the UK labour market.
About you
The ideal candidate will be able to undertake research and policy analysis, help secure and manage funded research projects and clearly communicate complex issues to a range of audiences. Experience of building effective internal and external relationships with a wide range of groups including civil servants, academics, politicians, business leaders and workers will be a particular advantage.
The Policy Advisor will support the research team to deliver valuable new quantitative and qualitative evidence and insights. We are ambitious about delivering research that has a positive impact in society, and work closely with workers, employers and policymakers to realise that goal.
Working with us
We are a small, friendly and collaborative team. Flexible working is important to us at the Work Foundation and we’re open to candidates who would like to work flexible hours, part-time, or job share.
This role can either be London based at our office in Fetter Lane or based at the Lancaster University campus, with a hybrid working arrangement. Our team tend to work part of the week at home, and part of the week on site.
Benefits include a defined benefit pension with the USS Scheme, generous holiday entitlement (25 days plus five university closure days between Christmas and Easter), a Cycle to Work Scheme, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme and a range of other benefits and discounts.
Further information
This is a maternity cover position for 10-months with a potential to be extended, but this is not guaranteed. Please note: it is the normal expectation of Lancaster University that the chosen candidate will be appointed to the minimum point of that grade. Key details:
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (+ £3,506 London Weighting, pro-rata - if applicable)
Contract: Full time, 10-month fixed-term contract
Location: London or Lancaster
Closing Date: 23.59, Thursday 5 March 2026
Interview Date: Monday 16 March 2026
Reference: 0020-26
If you would like to discuss this role before applying, please contact Alice Martin (Head of Research), with any questions.
To view the full Job Description and apply, please visit our website.
About the Work Foundation at Lancaster University
We believe everyone should have access to secure, rewarding and high-quality work. By engaging directly with workers, employers, policymakers and leading academics, we deliver rigorous applied research to tackle structural inequalities in the labour market and improve working lives across the UK.
About Lancaster University
Lancaster University is among the best in the UK. A top 15 university in the three major UK league tables, we are also highly ranked in international league tables such as the QS World Rankings. It has been recognised as a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a Disability Confident employer, and holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award for advancing the careers of women in higher education. The university has several networks focussed on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including a Race Equality Network, an LGBT+ staff network and a Parents and Carers’ network.
Terms and conditions
Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. No agencies please.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are looking for two dedicated and enthusiastic Students' Union Advisers to provide money and academic advice, guidance, advocacy and support to help our students navigate the various challenges they face. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact by ensuring students have access to the resources, advice, and representation they need to achieve, progress and thrive. If you are committed to creating a positive and inclusive student experience, we look forward to accepting your application!
Though we support and signpost our students regardless of their issue, the majority of our caseload relates to Student Finance and other money issues so applicants with relevant experience and expertise are encouraged to apply. Working within a team of five Advisers to deliver our free, impartial and confidential service, the successful applicant will advise students on primarily Money, Academic and Disciplinary matters. As a dynamic and agile organisation, we always signpost or advocate where we cannot directly advise, and so expect to help students facing challenges from everything from housing to sexual violence.
Our Advice Team advises across telephone, Microsoft Teams and face to face appointments, alongside monitoring a shared email inbox, supporting colleagues with research and data analysis, contributing to and creating various resources and occasionally attending university committees or working groups to provide technical expertise. Occasional weekend and evening work (to support the delivery of Open Days) will be required, as well as occasional work at our sites in Stafford and London. There are two vacancies available, totalling 1.5 FTE. We welcome applications from candidates seeking full-time or part-time hours.
Person Requirements
Essential Criteria
- Proven experience delivering information/advice and managing a caseload, including prioritising effectively, assessing risk, and communicating professionally with students and partners.
- Demonstrable expertise in at least one area relevant to the role (e.g., academic appeals, student finance/welfare benefits, consumer rights, or legal issues).
- Experience supporting individuals facing complex or sensitive matters (e.g., wellbeing, housing, incidents of sexual violence), demonstrating empathy and sensitivity, whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries.
- Ability to advocate on behalf of students and support them through formal processes (e.g., academic or disciplinary procedures), interpreting and applying relevant policies and regulations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; strong attention to detail in records/case notes; confident use of Microsoft 365 (e.g., Teams, Outlook, Word).
Desirable Criteria
- Experience supervising, supporting or training volunteers or staff.
- Experience providing personal finance/budgeting guidance.
- Experience delivering projects or workshops with clear outcomes and timelines.
- Research and analysis skills to inform information resources, social policy or campaigning.
- Confidence representing the Union at public‑facing events (e.g., Discovery Days, Offer Holder Days).
- Understanding of the Students’ Union’s values, vision and service delivery.
Details of this role
Hours: We are recruiting two posts totalling 1.5 FTE. The roles are offered on an annualised hours contract, with full-time based on 37 hours per week (1,687 working hours per annum plus 244 hours annual leave). Part-time hours and leave will be calculated on a pro rata basis.
Holiday: 5 Weeks per year plus Bank Holidays pro rata (That's 33 days!)
Start date: April 2026 onwards
Working Hours: Monday to Friday with occasional evenings and weekends
Location: Stoke on Trent Campuses
Salary:£27,640 to £29,922 (Grade 5) depending upon experience (and prorata for part-time positions).
Interviews: 25th March 2026
Closing date: 18th March 2026 at 4pm (We may close this advert ahead of the stated closing date if we receive a high volume of strong applications, so early application is advised)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Reporting to the schools in house Legal Advisor, you will ensure the school operates in full compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and internal policy requirements, promoting a culture of compliance across all areas of school activity.
This role is initially offered on a one-year fixed term contract working term time, plus INSED days and a further three weeks during the school holidays (38 weeks). The role also has part time support provided by the Compliance Administrator.
Salary circa £63,000, depending on experience. This is based on full-time equivalent annual salary of £75,000.
To apply and find out more about the school and our attractive staff benefits package, please visit our dedicated recruitment website.
Closing date: 9am on Thursday 5 March 2026
Interview date: Friday 13 March 2026
Diversity – The School is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We have an established and representative staff Equality and Diversity Board to help drive forward positive change. A further Equality and Diversity Committee has recently been formed from our student population.
We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of our students and local community. Acknowledging a lack of ethnic diversity within our Support staff community, we particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates for this role. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the School may employ positive action where diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS, online checks and receipt of two satisfactory references.
