Children support jobs

We are looking for an Operations Manager to take ownership of the systems and outcomes that allow hundreds of students to learn each week - from how enquiries become enrolments, to how teaching schedules are organised across venues and schools, and how families experience the service day-to-day.

You will be responsible not just for managing these areas, but for the results they produce. You will work alongside a small team, while taking primary responsibility for how this area of the organisation operates.

Greenwich Music School is a charity providing high-quality music education for children and adults across South East London and online. Founded and led by musicians, we have grown steadily by combining strong teaching with a thoughtful and well-organised experience for students and families. Each week hundreds of students learn with our teachers in venues, partner schools and online.

As we grow our school-based provision, we are continuing to improve how the organisation works - simplifying processes, strengthening how we support teachers, and making progress and communication clearer for students and families.

You will work closely with the CEO and Principal, but day-to-day you will manage your own priorities and move work forward independently.

How the role works day-to-day

• Much of this role is carried out independently, often working remotely or on your own
• You will be responsible for managing your time and priorities without close day-to-day supervision
• Much of the work is practical and operational, focused on making day-to-day systems run clearly and efficiently.
• There is regular communication with the CEO, Principal and wider team, but the role does not involve a shared office environment
• You will need to be comfortable working in this way over extended periods
 

What you will be responsible for:

Student journey and communication

• Own day-to-day communication with parents through our support inbox and ticketing system
• Ensure enquiries and issues are handled promptly and clearly
• Work with a colleague to resolve queries efficiently
• Maintain a consistently high standard of written communication with families

Scheduling and capacity

• Manage teaching schedules across venues and partner schools
• Ensure teaching capacity is used effectively
• Identify and fill gaps in timetables
• Maintain accurate scheduling data in our booking platform

Enrolment and conversion

• Monitor enquiries and take practical steps to improve enquiry-to-enrolment conversion
• Ensure families are guided clearly towards appropriate lessons or courses
• Reduce unnecessary delays between enquiry and enrolment

Operational systems

• Develop and maintain clear processes and SOPs
• Improve how we use templates, saved replies and automation tools
• Simplify processes where possible, reducing unnecessary steps and communication

Operational insight

• Track and report key metrics such as capacity, enrolment and retention
• Spot patterns in enquiries, withdrawals or complaints
• Work with the leadership team to improve systems over time
 

This role suits someone who

• enjoys taking ownership of how things work in a small organisation
• looks for ways to simplify systems and reduce unnecessary friction
• thinks carefully about the experience for students, parents, teachers and colleagues
• focuses on the most important improvements rather than trying to do everything
• is comfortable keeping things running while building and improving systems at the same time
• writes clearly and thoughtfully, even in difficult situations
 

This role may not suit someone who

• prefers highly structured environments with established systems already in place
• is looking for a primarily strategic or managerial role rather than hands-on operational work
• prefers working in a busy office environment with constant interaction
• finds working independently or managing multiple priorities without close supervision challenging
 

What we are looking for

You might currently work in operations, programme management or service delivery in a small organisation. The key thing is that you are comfortable taking ownership of outcomes and improving processes over time.

Strong candidates typically:
• write clearly and calmly, even in difficult situations
• enjoy improving systems and reducing recurring problems
• are comfortable working independently and taking responsibility for their work
• pay close attention to detail while keeping sight of the bigger picture
• communicate clearly with colleagues and move work forward without needing constant supervision

Experience in education is welcome but not essential.

What success looks like

Within the first year:

• teaching capacity across venues and schools is actively managed and well utilised
• enquiries convert more consistently into enrolments
• operational processes are documented and working reliably
• written communication with families is clear and supportive
• the organisation runs smoothly day-to-day, with the CEO and Principal spending less time on reactive operational matters

YOUTH OUTREACH WORKER: Violence Against Women and Girls (Female Applicants Only*)

Location - North Middlesex Hospital Accident & Emergency Department

Full-time - Fixed Term Contract to March 2027

Salary - £31,312 (including London Weighting) per annum

Youth violence is a problem that significantly affects young people, their families and entire communities. At Oasis, we believe that violence can be prevented by taking a holistic public health approach. Oasis Community Hub Hadley encompasses a range of integrated and diverse community projects which together have a common aim to bring transformation to the whole person and the whole community. Through this holistic approach we have been instrumental in shaping the way young people are supported after experiencing trauma, violence or aggression.

Oasis Youth Support at North Middlesex Hospital is seeking a dedicated Outreach Worker: Violence Against Women and Girls Specialist to accompany young women who attend North Middlesex Hospital A&E department due to a violent or aggressive incident, on their journey to make positive choices with the aim of breaking the cycle of violence through 1:1 mentoring.

You will be part of a large team based at the hospital and supported by the Youth Support Project Coordinator, as well as the wider Community Hub Team based in Ponders End, Enfield.

 The key responsibilities within the role are:

· Support young people and develop a bespoke mentoring programme that meets their needs

· Develop and evaluate a model of care that enables young people to benefit from community based interventions

· Planning and delivering sessions focusing around specific areas of violence against women and girls for young people and professionals

· Assisting the team by facilitating high quality information gathering/sharing to track the support given and the success of the project

You could be successful in this role if you: 

· Are passionate about making a difference to young people’s lives

· Have the ability to build positive relationships with young people as well as professionals

· have a relevant professional qualification (e.g. JNC, QTS, QSW), or relevant experience

· Have experience of working in a youth/community setting affected by youth crime

· Experience of mentoring / supporting young people

· Are self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative and organise your own time

This role is a challenging but very rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable young members of society who are living in challenging circumstances. 

Please submit your completed application form at your earliest convenience. Please visit the Oasis Charity Jobs website for application pack.

Completed applications forms should be returned by 9am Monday 28th April 2025

9am Thursday 9th April, with interviews W/C 20th April 2026.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers, please let us know.  *Please note that due to the nature of this role, this post is only available to female applicants as permitted under the Equality Act 2010.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. The successful candidate will need to be provide proof of the right to work in the UK.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

We are looking for a resilient and dedicated person to join our new specialist high risk domestic abuse service as an Independent Stalking Advocate & Caseworker (ISAC)

This role is a full time working hybrid with two days per week expected to work from our centrally located office in Boscombe. Due to the nature of the role, the successful applicant would be expected to travel regularly across the Dorset county.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Welcome Bonus: £500 on successful completion of probation period.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

As a ISAC you will provide high quality support to victims of stalking who have been who have been subjected to domestic violence and abuse. You will deliver and provide support in five key areas to support victims to:

• Feel safer
• Feel informed about their rights and the criminal justice system
• Feel listened to and heard
• Be able to implement healthy coping mechanisms
• Be connected with services who are available to help them

Key Responsibilities:

• You will provide appropriate non-therapeutic support to who have been subjected to domestic abuse and stalking via their preferred contact method.
• Undertake needs and risk assessments to develop tailored individual safety and support plans to address the specific needs of the victim.
• Use a bespoke case management system to maintain accurate and confidential record keeping and contribute to the collection of outcomes.
• Liaise with the police, social services, CPS, and other agencies on the client's behalf, with the client's consent maintaining confidentiality
• Provide information to victims to enable them to make informed choices about their future options. Ensuring that the voices, needs, rights and legal entitlements of victims are heard and understood by all individuals and organisations.

About You:

Ideally, you will hold an approved and accredited ISAC qualification (or you must be willing to work towards one)

You will need:

• Strong understanding of domestic abuse, violence and stalking and the impact this has on victims
• Experience of working with victims including completing risk assessments and safety planning
• Experience of managing a caseload and keeping clear case management records.
• Experience of adapting communication styles to be able to effectively communicate with victims
• An understanding of trauma informed practice and how to implement this within your work
• A through understanding of the criminal justice system and the Victim's Code
• An understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and other legal requirements
• Good IT skills including experience with working within bespoke case management systems and using Microsoft Office Packages.
• An organised and methodical approach to work, able to plan & prioritise workload.

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible

Lead the future of youth opportunity in Bristol.
Drive income, build partnerships, and change young lives every day.

Young Bristol is looking for an ambitious and passionate Head of Fundraising & Communications to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity and the thousands of young people we support.

This is more than a fundraising role. It’s a unique opportunity to take ownership of income generation at one of Bristol’s leading youth charities, working at a time of exciting growth as we approach our 100-year anniversary. You’ll lead our fundraising strategy, grow a diverse income portfolio, and build meaningful partnerships that directly enable young people to thrive.

Working closely with our Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees, you will drive sustainable income across trusts, corporates, major donors and events, while also leading communications that bring our impact to life. From powerful storytelling to strategic relationship-building, your work will ensure more young people have access to safe spaces, trusted adults, inspiring activities, and life-changing opportunities.

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach — a confident communicator, relationship builder and leader who is motivated by purpose and driven to make a difference.

In return, you’ll join a values-driven, supportive team who truly believe in every young person and are committed to helping them discover what they are capable of.

If you’re ready to lead, inspire and create lasting impact across Bristol’s communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications is 17:00 on Wednesday 22nd April

Interviews will take place on the Wednesday 29th April, in person at our main offices. BS14 Youth Centre, Stockwood Lane, Bristol. BS14 8SJ

Job Title: Regional Operations Manager 
Location: Midlands (flexible – with travel across delivery areas)
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer  
Contract Type: 2 years fixed term contract, Full-Time
Salary: £40,000 pa
Start Date:  March / April 2026 
 

Role Purpose 
The Regional Operations Manager will be responsible for the effective day-to-day delivery of The Skill Mill programmes, ensuring seamless coordination between The Skill Mill Supervisors, local Youth Justice Services, Pathways Advisors, and the Commercial Sales Manager. The role will focus on operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and the smooth running of activities that contribute to The Skill Mill’s social impact. 
 

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Coordination 

- Oversee and support The Skill Mill Supervisors to ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and impactful work programmes. 
- Act as the central point of contact between Supervisors, Youth Justice Services, Pathways Advisors, and the Commercial Sales Manager. 
- Monitor daily operations and resolve any operational challenges quickly and effectively. 
- Ensure all work complies with organisational policies, procedures, and health & safety regulations. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management:

- Build strong, collaborative relationships with local Youth Justice Services and Pathways Advisors to support young people’s progression. 
- Work closely with the Commercial Sales Manager to align operational delivery with commercial project requirements and client expectations. 
- Represent The Skill Mill at operational and partnership meetings. 

Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

- Track and monitor project progress, ensuring that targets for social outcomes and commercial delivery are met. 
- Prepare and present operational performance reports to the Senior Management Team. 
- Implement systems to measure quality, efficiency, and impact. 
 

Team Support & Development 

- Support and mentor Supervisors to maintain high standards of practice and delivery. 
- Identify training needs and facilitate professional development opportunities. 
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture. 
 

Person Specification:
Essential 

- Experience in operational or project management, ideally in a social enterprise, youth justice, or community development setting. 
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. 
- Proven ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and workstreams. 
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and work under pressure. 
- Knowledge of safeguarding, youth justice, and/or working with vulnerable young people. 
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and project management tools. 
- Commitment to The Skill Mill’s mission and values. 

Desirable 

- Experience managing commercial contracts or community-based service delivery. 
- Understanding of outcomes-based commissioning. 
- Health & Safety qualification or equivalent experience. 

Key Relationships 

- The Skill Mill Supervisors 
- Youth Justice Services 
- Pathways Advisors 
- Commercial Sales Manager 
- Senior Management Team 
- External partners and clients 
 

About The Skill Mill:

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background.

The Skill Mill is an innovative social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives and communities. We provide employment opportunities for young people with criminal convictions, equipping them with skills and experience through delivering high-quality environmental services, such as grounds maintenance, horticulture, and flood prevention. Our mission is to reduce reoffending, enhance employability, and create sustainable social and environmental impact.

We are Hestia. We make a difference.
At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Team Leader to play a pivotal role in our Complex Needs Service in Notting Hill.
Sounds great, what will I be doing?
This role provides leadership and oversight of a team delivering community-based, person-centred, and holistic support to service users. You will motivate and empower staff to achieve high-quality outcomes, manage performance, and respond to complex casework. Working collaboratively with internal teams, local authorities, and partner agencies, you'll promote a strong multi-agency approach to meet diverse needs. The role also involves overseeing referral processes, ensuring timely assessment, allocation, and review of cases. You will build effective partnerships, contribute to service development, and ensure delivery aligns with Hestia's vision, values, and objectives.
What do I need to bring with me?
You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; th
e important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.
You will bring a strong understanding of the needs, perceptions, and engagement barriers of people with mental health needs, including those who may be disengaged from services. You will have experience supporting individuals to develop independent living skills and access wider support services, using co-production approaches that reflect cultural needs and promote meaningful involvement. You will be confident gathering and using service user feedback to improve delivery, alongside experience managing services within budget. You will represent the organisation positively, with the ability to deliver presentations and develop promotional materials. A strong commitment to equality and diversity is essential, alongside excellent knowledge of housing, community care, mental health, health and safety, and welfare benefits legislation. You will also bring strong IT skills, with the ability to produce accurate reports and monitor staff use of systems to ensure high-quality client data recording.
Interview Steps
We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.
Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.
We are a disability confident employer
Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.
Safeguarding Statement
Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.
Important Information for Candidates
If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.
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em>We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser

Location: London, (2 days per week in the office)
Hours: Full time/Part time 

Salary: £34,000 per annum
Reporting to: Trusts & Foundations Manager 
Term: permanent

Aquilas is delighted to be partnering with a national children's charity to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser to join their growing team.

About the role:

In this pivotal role, you’ll secure vital funding from charitable trusts and foundations, building strong relationships and crafting compelling cases for support. 

You’ll lead on high-value applications, identify new funding opportunities, and play a key role in shaping our income growth. Working with a passionate, mission-led team, you’ll see the direct impact of your work every day. If you’re persuasive, and inspired by making a lasting difference for children, we’d love you to join us.

Main duties:

This is a brilliant opportunity for an ambitious Trusts & Foundations fundraiser who is ready to deepen their experience, work with high-value funders, and play a meaningful role in delivering life-changing impact.

As part of our Trusts & Foundations team, you will work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Manager and Trusts & foundations Officer to help deliver an annual income target of £700k–£750k. You’ll take ownership of a varied portfolio of trust and foundation relationships, building on warm funders while also researching and developing new prospects giving at the four- to six-figure level.

This role offers hands-on experience across the full trusts fundraising cycle — from research and relationship-building to bid writing, reporting and stewardship with strong support and clear opportunities to grow.

Experience:

• Have experience in trusts and foundations fundraising or grant fundraising
• Enjoys writing persuasive, well-evidenced funding applications
• Is confident managing relationships with external funders
• Is organised, curious, and motivated by impact
• Is ready to step up, develop their skills, and grow within a supportive team

Why join us?

• You’ll work on meaningful, high-impact funding that directly supports children and families
• You’ll be supported by an experienced manager and a collaborative fundraising team
• You’ll gain exposure to high-value trust fundraising and relationship management
• You’ll have room to grow, learn, and progress as your experience develops
• You’ll be part of an organisation that values flexibility, learning, and kindness at work.

To Apply:

To receive a candidate pack or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact:

Kieran McGorrian, Head of Not for Profit Appointments, Aquilas 

Are you an experienced and committed Project Manager? Have you worked in programme delivery for young people in schools or youth settings? Can you communicate confidently to a wide audience and range of stakeholders?

We are seeking a full-time Project Manager to support delivery of our new programme, Reading Reboot, funded by the Charlotte Aitken Trust, and to support the SLA to grow its reach and impact. Reading Reboot is being developed to address the reading crisis and restore a love of reading for young people in Year 8, in communities facing the greatest disadvantage. This is an opportunity to lead a flagship national programme with the potential to shape future investment in school libraries, in a supportive, mission-driven team culture within a small but influential charity. 

The Reading Reboot programme will establish librarian-led social book clubs in over 100 under-funded secondary school libraries across the UK and reach more than 6,000 young people directly, alongside librarians, senior leaders and wider school communities. Reading Reboot places school librarians at the heart of delivery, combining new book stock, inspiring author engagement, appealing library spaces, and a robust evaluation to evidence impact and inform future national roll-out.   

The Project Manager will lead on development and delivery, working closely with the CEO, a Project Board and external evaluation team to ensure the programme meets its objectives on time, within budget and to a high quality. They will recruit and coordinate schools and librarians, work with partners and funders, and ensure that learning and impact are captured and shared across the sector. Building strong relationships with all stakeholders, the Project Manager will be the main point of contact for the programme and will support the CEO and Project Board with timely updates, papers and participation in meetings. Successful candidates will have extensive and demonstrable experience of project management in schools or youth settings. Experience of training development and delivery will be an advantage.

The salary for this position is £30,000 per year for 37 hours per week on a one year contract, with potential for extension. Find out more about this role and how to apply by downloading the job application pack.

Application deadline: Thursday 26th March, 5pm

Interviews will take place online the week commencing 7th April 2026.

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please. Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within one week of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Caseworker to join our Operations team in Lincolnshire working 22.5 hours per week, please note that this role may require regular travel throughout the area.

Do you want to make a difference every day to the lives of victims? Do you want to advocate for change & improvement for those who need it?

Are you resilient and adaptable? Can you work effectively with a focus on support and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

As a Caseworker, you will provide structured, tailored support plans based on holistic assessments for individuals affected by crime. You will make initial contact with victims via the telephone, then tailor the support to the Victims preferences i.e. home visits or via conference calls, to explain our services, and assess the impact of crime. Your responsibilities will include developing, delivering, and monitoring safety and support plans, providing resources, interventions, and information to service users.

As a Caseworker you will:

• Manage a caseload of self-referred & referred service users, providing information & advocacy to help them navigate the criminal justice process.
• Conduct risk & needs assessments, ensuring each victim receives tailored support & information.
• Identify barriers to accessing services & work with partners to provide ongoing support.
• Keep accurate & confidential case records.

About You

You will have an understanding of the impact of crime on victims & experience in delivering services within a statutory, voluntary, or multi-agency setting. Experience in managing a caseload and of completing risk & needs assessments would be beneficial.

You will need:

• Strong written & verbal communication skills.
• Competent IT skills, able to use generic systems.
• Good organisational & time management skills, able to manage competing needs and priorities.
• To work effectively both as part of a team & independently
• To develop & maintain partnerships with internal & external organisations.
• The ability to maintain professional boundaries & confidentiality.

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

If you are passionate about supporting victims of crime and have the necessary skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

JOB TITLE:                         Centre Based Assistance Dog Instructor (Maternity Cover) 

LOCATION:                        Based at our Centre in Milton Keynes, with travel up to 3 hours 

SALARY BAND:                 £26K - £32K per annum, depending on experience. Line management experience desirable.

JOB TYPE:                          Full time and Part time applicants considered. Fixed Term of 12-18 months 

REPORTS TO:                    Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme 

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives. 

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.

We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small but fast-growing charity that is a world leader in its specialist innovative field. 

The Role 

We are looking for a passionate and driven person who has previous proven experience and skills working as an Instructor within an Assistance Dog organisation, who has worked with clients and partnerships. The role includes supporting both clients who have had a MDD dog placed with them and also our own dog applicants with their puppies and young dogs to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and early training in terms of obedience, public access and developing an alert to the applicant’s condition, with the aim to reach an accreditable assistance dog partnership status. The role will also include carrying out client specific and odour training for MDD own dogs, placing these dogs with their new clients and looking after a number of established partnerships. This role would suit somebody residing up to an hour from our centre in Milton Keynes.  

Duties that encompass the role of an Instructor include:  

• Be the first point of contact for the allocated partnerships in your area. To provide guidance and instruction to applicants who have applied to the charity to have their own dogs considered for the training programme guidance and instruction on handling, behaviour and obedience and odour training as well as newly placed partnerships.

• Alongside the Instructing team, to run puppy classes, public access training, recall sessions in small groups for applicant own dogs that are in line with the charity’s quality standards and in accordance with timescales and targets. 

• To also carry out support visits and home interviews for applicants and clients that have been allocated to you.  

• Regularly monitor progress of any young dogs and partnerships in training in your area and provide detailed, evidenced feedback to Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme.

• To carry out client specific training with any MDD owned dogs that have been matched, including the required odour scent training.

• Instructing, guiding and supporting new assistance dog clients in managing and handling a Medical Alert Assistance Dog effectively, via pretraining, placement training and aftercare visits.

• Supporting partnerships in training in successfully reaching an accreditation standard and in maintaining this standard throughout the life of the partnership.

• To support a number of established partnerships in the form of aftercare, refresher training and yearly re-accreditations, assisting further afield on occasions as required.

Responsibilities  

• To escalate issues and problems to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme as appropriate.

• To carry out scent assessments on any MDD dogs in socialising as and when required with the support of the rest of the Instructing Team.

• To plan, organise and deliver practical and theoretical training to clients, meeting their individual needs in line with agreed standards to include areas such as dog welfare, appropriate handling, commanding and overall management. This will involve working with the parents as Team Leader and child as Client and working with adult clients.
• Assess the team dynamics of the family & balancing the needs of all family members as well as those of the dog.
• Assess the individuals preferred learning style and amending as relevant to aid a client.
• To accompany the client into all regular environments that they will take the dog to, ensuring the dog behaves in an acceptable manner and that the client and others are aware and clear in terms of where they dog should reside and behave for e.g. public transport, place of work. To complete a check list of environments for any applicant own dogs in training who are on the programme to be assessed within.
• To support and advise clients in transferring the odour training from pot training and recognising alerting behaviours to establish real life alerting.
• To ensure all partnerships are in line with the ADUK regulations with regards to behaviour, obedience and welfare and branding.
• Due to the nature of the role, flexible working hours may be required in some instances to facilitate the effective delivery of the work e.g. working during the school holidays with school age clients.
• To monitor the correct and false alerting percentages of allocated partnerships via data analysis, advising where necessary until the correct alerting levels are achieved.
• To complete comprehensive reports and paperwork for any time spent with applicants or partnerships in training or established. Maintain accurate records by providing verbal and written information with agreed timescales about clients, dogs, applicants and apprentices as appropriate.
• To work alongside allocated partnerships with the aim of the partnership reaching an accredited standard and feeding back to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme if there are any concerns that the accreditation cannot be achieved.
• To provide clients with appropriate aftercare services at regular intervals in their own homes in the form of annual visits, support visits or at refresher workshops run at the Centre to agreed standards.  This will include continual re-assessment of the dynamics of family and dog, formulating and training on appropriate solutions, as well as offering additional dog training advice.
• To deliver handling days as part of an applicant’s pretraining to include ‘Introduction to Assistance Dog’ ‘Advanced Handling’ and Family Handling.
• To scent train and seizure proof advanced dogs in preparation to be partnered with an adult or child client and ensure that applicant own dogs have received this at the earliest opportunity.
• To maintain the ongoing public access training with any advanced dog in scent training that has been allocated to them.
• To liaise with Independent Contractors as relevant.
• To provide support to the Charity’s public relations and fundraising functions as required, specifically in your area.
• To act as the ‘contact’ person for the assistance dog programme in relation to training policy procedures with clients and their families, other professional service providers and members of the public.  This will include on-going research and development of the project.
• As required, to liaise and provide support for Volunteers of the Charity.

Other 

• Share best practice with colleagues across the charity.

• Any other duties or tasks that are required to ensure the successful running of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog Department and the Charity overall.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills
• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
• Experience of running puppy classes, carrying out public access training and recall sessions
• Able to develop training plans for any dogs in training under your care
• High level of self-motivation and planning
• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life-threatening conditions
• Happy to travel alone within the UK to visit any clients as necessary
• Willing to be on call for partnerships as and when required
• Willing to stay away from home in local accommodation when client locations are too far to travel back home
• Happy and able to have Medical Alert Assistance Dogs in training reside in your home
• Good team player, but equally able to work independently
• Positive, empathetic and calm attitude
• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation
• Flexible

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE 

Essential 

• Previous Assistance Dog Instructing and Dog Training experience
• Knowledge of AD(UK) and ADI regulations
• Law in relation to dogs 
• Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age
• Knowledge of dog and human psychology
• Proven evidence and experience of dog handling and training skills
• Previous experience of teaching and instructing
• Sound dog training and dog behaviour knowledge
• IT literacy and report writing skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and SharePoint
• Full UK driving licence
• Pass a DBS (CRB) check due to regular contact with children

Preferable  

• Knowledge of debilitating medical conditions and understanding of how they can impact people, both physically and psychologically, particularly when they are unstable and fluctuating
• Previous knowledge of odour/scent training
• Previous line management experience 

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES ​

• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills 

• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life threatening conditions 

• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation

• You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as able to motivate yourself

• You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as being able to motivate yourself.
• You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem-solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations.

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive Charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Charity Values

All employees are expected to uphold the charity’s core values in their daily work. This includes demonstrating respect through open and considerate communication, fostering cooperation by working collaboratively, maintaining honesty in all interactions and ensuring fairness through just and transparent decision-making.

Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to: 

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence 

• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK. 

• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check 

• Work some evenings and weekends 

• Be willing to travel to the Centre based near Milton Keynes

We have an exciting opportunity for a Caseworker to join the team in the Thames Valley. This role is available on a fixed-term basis until 31/03/27 with consideration given to candidates seeking either full or part time hours. Please state preferred number of working hours on your application.

Please note, due to the requirements of the role you will need to reside within Oxfordshire, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire. If you are willing to relocate please kindly advise this in your application.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the role:

As a Caseworker you will be joining a passionate and committed team who provide a high quality and bespoke support to our service users. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional trauma informed advocacy and support. You will be driven to make a difference every day with the ability to focus on the needs of vulnerable service users.

Once in post you will benefit from the mandatory comprehensive training programme which will build on your existing skills and experience to prepare you for the role.

You will be based in the Thames Valley. The role is home based, but with the expectation to travel within the region to attend team meetings and in person supervision sessions.

Due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

Key Responsibilities:

You will have resilience and adaptability; understand the importance of professional boundaries; possess strong listening skills and the ability to demonstrate empathy. You will enjoy the challenge of a busy caseload and will be able to demonstrate the excellent organisation skills essential to managing a demanding and diverse workload. As a fully trained Caseworker you will be responsible for managing your own complex caseload to the highest quality standards.

You will need:

• Understanding of the impact of crime on victims.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering services and working directly within a statutory, voluntary or multi agency setting(s).
• Ability to balance competing needs and priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of personal resilience and experience of managing a complex caseload
• A successful track record of building effective working relationships across internal and external stakeholders.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Job title: Lived Experience Facilitator - Service User Network (SUN)
Post no: 660
Working base: Mind BLMK - Luton Wellbeing Centre
Area covered: Bedfordshire and Luton (SUN offers a combination of online and face to face groups)
Hours: 21 hours per week. Monday – Friday
Working pattern: Tuesdays 9.30am – 5.00pm (7 hours) Remaining 14 hours to be negotiated depending on service need (within the hours Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5.00pm)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,147.00 per annum FTE (£14,272.62 per annum actual for 21 hours per week)

About the Service User Network (SUN)

The SUN is an open access model of community-based facilitated group peer support for people experiencing complex emotional needs associated with complex trauma and/or a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’. The SUN aims to help people develop effective ways of coping, reduce emergencies and improve access to appropriate services.

Those accessing the SUN may or may not have a formal diagnosis of personality disorder. Group members will have experienced longstanding emotional difficulties, isolation and may demonstrate patterns of behaviour that may not be helpful in the longer term.

About the Role

Fundamental to creating empowerment and engagement in the SUN Project is the therapeutic community principle, that the effectiveness of the service depends upon engaging group members in the task of running, delivery, development and evaluation of the service. The utilisation of SUN members’ own resources and expertise is integral to the SUN model of peer support.

SUN Facilitators will have their own lived experience of complex emotional needs associated with a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’ and will be able to demonstrate their recovery journey. They will work closely with mental health practitioners from ELFT (East London NHS Foundation Trust) to deliver regular Service User Network (SUN) groups in different community-based locations in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire or Luton. Full training in the SUN model, and weekly supervision by a Psychotherapist / Psychologist, will be provided for all team members.

Facilitators will work to develop and support the therapeutic community principle of the SUN model and the effectiveness of the service through engaging group members in the task of running, delivery, development, and evaluation of the service. The utilisation of SUN members’ own resources and expertise is integral to the model of peer support upon which the SUN groups are based.

SUN facilitators will have regular supervision and support in this role along with appropriate training.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Optional Health Plan
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: Monday 13th April 2026 at 5:00 pm
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation was established by Sylvia Lancaster following the murder of her daughter Sophie in a hate crime motivated by prejudice against alternative subcultures. What began as a grassroots response has grown into an internationally recognised charity working across education, community engagement, research and advocacy to challenge prejudice and prevent hate crime.

We work with schools, young people, community groups and institutions to increase understanding of alternative cultures and to promote respect, inclusion and safety for those who may be marginalised because of identity or appearance.

We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through its next stage of development.

The CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership, working closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure the organisation remains sustainable, impactful and true to its mission. The role involves leading a small team, strengthening partnerships, overseeing programmes and securing income through grants, trusts, partnerships and other funding sources.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering the organisation’s strategic plan
• Leading and supporting a small staff team
• Maintaining effective governance with the Board of Trustees
• Building partnerships and representing the organisation publicly
• Overseeing programmes and ensuring impact is measured and evidenced
• Leading fundraising and ensuring long-term financial sustainability
• Ensuring safeguarding, compliance and strong organisational management

We are looking for someone with:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, education, community or social justice sectors
• A track record of strategic development and organisational growth
• Experience securing funding and managing organisational budgets
• Strong communication and partnership-building skills
• A clear commitment to equality, inclusion and social change
• Knowledge of alternative subcultures preferably gained from lived experience

Are you a focused leader with a passion for retail and commitment to making a difference? Barnardo's is looking for a motivated and experienced Area Business Manager to lead our retail teams across Northern Ireland, driving income that directly supports vulnerable children and young people across the UK. 

The role is full time (36.25 hours per week) permanent and home based with regular visits to stores across Northern Ireland. The ideal candidate should live within this area or a commutable distance. 

At Barnardo's, we believe in children – and every sale in our stores helps fund vital services that transform lives. This is your opportunity to lead with purpose while making a real impact. 

What You'll Be Doing: 

As Area Business Manager, you'll be responsible for the overall performance of a portfolio of retail stores. Your focus will be on: 

• Maximising sales, profit and income through strategic store management 
• Requirements to visit stores on a regular basis 
• Leading and inspiring store managers to deliver exceptional customer service and strong commercial results 
• Ensuring consistent operational standards across all locations 
• Managing budgets, KPIs, staffing, merchandising and compliance 
• Identifying opportunities to improve performance, grow revenue, and optimise the retail estate 

Previous multi-site retail experience is essential and an understanding of the charity sector preferable but not essential.

Generating the money we need to make children's lives better is a truly fulfilling role so if you'd like to use your talent to make a positive difference then we would love to hear from you! 

 

The full Job description and Person profile is available below. Please read this before applying to ensure that the job matches your skills and experience. 

 *As part of Barnardo's ongoing commitment to safeguarding, our retail recruitment process requires that successful candidates are asked to consent to a Basic criminal records check. 

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Interview Date: Where an interview date has been given in the advert, this will be the only date available. Please check this before proceeding with your application.

About Barnardo's

At Barnardo's we believe in children – no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Please read about our basis and values following the link below. You will be asked questions relating to them as part of the recruitment process for this role.