Community development jobs

Corporate Complaints Manager

Cambridge

Permanent

Full-Time

This is an exciting opportunity to join CHS Group in this newly established post. Do you have the expertise and confidence to lead on complaint handling and help shape how we listen, respond, and improve for our customers? If so, this is an opportunity to make a real impact. As Corporate Complaints Manager, you’ll play a key role in delivering a high-quality, customer-focused complaints service, ensuring every customer feels heard and supported.

You will be joining a long-established, locally based and independent housing association with strong local partnerships. We have a reputation for delivering on our values of care, openness and trust in our housing and community services. We continue to build on this strong foundation, with ambitious plans to further develop our services and infrastructure.

You’ll lead on our overall approach to complaint handling, working with teams to support their complaint responses and help ensure we remain fully compliant with regulatory requirements, including the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code.

You’ll also use insight and data to drive service improvements, helping us learn from feedback and strengthen the overall customer experience.

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director, Customers Services you will:

· Monitor and where necessary promote improvements in compliance against our complaints and compensation policies, ensuring timely and high-quality responses

· Support customer facing teams to maintain a positive complaint handling culture and service through training, sharing data and good practice

· Lead on liaison with the Housing Ombudsman, ensuring all enquiries are responded to and that CHS learns from cases.

· Analyse complaint data and identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement

· Support continuous improvement across the complaints process and customer experience

· Prepare our internal and external reporting and self-assessments and ensure they are published on time.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll bring a strong background in complaint handling and customer service, along with the confidence to challenge and influence colleagues.

Experience

· Experience of handling complex, high-volume complaints within a social housing, local government or other regulated organisation in a customer facing environment

· Experience of implementing change to drive up standards and performance

· Experience of using and improving databases / IT systems for customer and/or complaints data.

· Experience of collating and presenting data to a range of audiences

· Good knowledge of the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaints Handling Code and regulatory framework for social housing

Skills

· Excellent communication, influencing and listening skills

· Outstanding customer focus with the ability to balance empathy, accountability and operational compliance

· Excellent investigative and problem-solving skills

· Excellent analytical skills, using data to drive improvement

· Understanding of safeguarding, vulnerability and partnership approaches that support customers with complex needs

· A collaborative and assertive approach to working with colleagues and teams to drive improvement

Qualification:

Level 4 housing qualification regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) or willingness to work towards.

Hybrid Working Arrangements – the majority of the working week will be office-based in Histon in the first six months (probation period). Thereafter it may be possible to apply for a higher proportion of hybrid working, with service delivery being the prime consideration.

Benefits of working for CHS Group:

· Employee discount scheme (retail, leisure, gym membership and fitness equipment)

· Doctor Care Anywhere (telehealth service offering private online GP and nurse appointments via video and phone)

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Financial wellbeing hub - access to advice and support from experts, whether you're budgeting, interested in investing or retirement planning

· Refurbished Tech - access to the latest models at affordable prices, with a 12-month warranty and 30-day money back guarantee. 

· Cycle to work scheme (salary sacrifice)

· One day off a year to volunteer for a charity of your choice

· 30 days holiday, increasing to 35 days per annum, inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata for part-time staff), depending on length of service

· Holiday purchase scheme - up to 5 days per annum (pro rata for part-time staff)

· Company sick pay

· 58p per mile business mileage allowance

· Refer a friend scheme (£250)

· Contributory pension scheme, which both you and CHS contribute to

· Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

· Flexible Working Policy

· Full induction

· Comprehensive free training and development opportunities with paid time off

· Free DBS (for relevant posts)

· Free onsite/nearby parking

· Hybrid Working Policy

· Flexitime

As part of the recruitment and selection process candidates will be required to complete a Personality Profiler

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Midnight Sunday 12th July 2026

INTERVIEWS: Friday 31st July 2026

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August

You will provide appropriate emotional and practical 1-to-1 support to (those who identify as) women and non-binary people involved in sex work and those who are sexually exploited, who often experience stigma and face barriers to accessing services. This role will specifically focus on those who are experiencing DV, support will include addressing housing needs. You will be enabling people to access support and navigate services, You will be working in partnership with other agencies and making appropriate referrals for people to access other services to support their wider needs. You will contribute to wider team responsibilities including outreach, drop in and duty.

Fundraising Manager

Salary: £65,000–£70,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) or Part-time (30 hours per week considered, salary pro rata)
Location: Hybrid working between home and our offices at Great Portland Street and Kennington Lane, London
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Report: Fundraising Assistant

About International Students House (ISH)

International Students House (ISH) is a unique charity in the heart of London's West End, bringing together students from across the world through affordable accommodation, social activities, welfare support and cultural exchange.

For over a century, ISH has been creating opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to live, learn and build lifelong international friendships. As we enter an exciting new phase of growth, we are investing in our fundraising capability to secure the long-term future of our charity and expand our impact.

We are now seeking an ambitious, strategic and relationship-focused Fundraising Manager to establish and lead our fundraising function.

The Opportunity

This is a newly created senior role offering the opportunity to shape the future of fundraising at ISH.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees and senior leadership team, you will develop and deliver a comprehensive fundraising strategy that grows philanthropic income and builds sustainable funding streams.

You'll lead on developing relationships with trusts and foundations, major donors, alumni, corporate partners and international supporters while creating compelling fundraising campaigns that inspire long-term engagement.

If you're an experienced fundraiser looking for the opportunity to build something meaningful and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

As Fundraising Manager, you will:

• Develop and implement a 3–5 year fundraising strategy aligned with ISH's strategic objectives.

• Build a diverse fundraising portfolio across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, alumni, community fundraising and international philanthropy.

• Identify, cultivate and steward major donors and strategic partners.

• Lead the development of compelling funding applications and grant proposals.

• Secure significant income from trusts, foundations, government bodies and corporate sponsors.

• Develop donor stewardship and recognition programmes that encourage long-term support.

• Work collaboratively with Marketing, Alumni Relations, Events and CRM colleagues to deliver integrated fundraising campaigns.

• Establish fundraising KPIs, monitor performance and report regularly to the CEO, Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees.

• Manage and develop the Fundraising Assistant while fostering a collaborative fundraising culture across the organisation.

• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with charity law, the Code of Fundraising Practice and data protection legislation.

About You

You will be a motivated fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing significant philanthropic income and developing successful fundraising strategies.

You'll bring:

Essential

• Significant experience in fundraising, philanthropy or income generation.

• Demonstrable success securing funding from trusts and foundations, major donors and/or corporate partners.

• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies.

• Outstanding relationship management and networking skills.

• Excellent proposal and bid-writing abilities.

• Strong financial awareness and project management skills.

• Experience using CRM systems and analysing fundraising performance.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• A collaborative, proactive and results-driven approach.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity, higher education or international education sectors.

• Alumni fundraising experience.

• Knowledge of UK trust and foundation fundraising.

• Experience securing international philanthropic funding, particularly in North America.

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or equivalent.

• Fundraising qualification or professional accreditation.

Why Join ISH?

This is an exciting opportunity to build a fundraising function with significant scope for innovation and growth while helping transform the lives of students from around the world.

In return we offer:

• Salary of £65,000–£70,000 (depending on experience)

• Full-time or part-time working options

• Hybrid working

• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service

• Defined benefit contributory pension scheme

• Vitality private health insurance (Senior Management Team)

• Healthcare cash plan

• £3 daily meal allowance for use in our catering facilities

• Sage employee benefits platform

• Interest-free annual travel loan (after probation)

Eligibility

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Join Us

If you are an experienced fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to shape a new fundraising function, build meaningful donor relationships and help secure the future of an organisation that has supported generations of students from around the world, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the next chapter of International Students House.

We are looking for resilient and dedicated people to join our new specialist high risk domestic abuse service as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate's (IDVA).

As a new service, we have 4 x full time IDVA positions available. These posts are initially offered on a fixed-term basis for one year, with the potential for extension subject to future funding. These roles are full time, working a 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 applicants 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 IDVA you will provide high quality support to victims of 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

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will:

• provide appropriate non-therapeutic support to victims of domestic abuse 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 older people are heard and understood by all individuals and organisations.

About You:

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

You will need:

• A strong understanding of domestic abuse and violence and the impact this has on victims.
• Experience of working with victims of crime (preferably domestic abuse) 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.
• 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.
• Organised and methodical approach to work with the ability to plan, prioritise and organise 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

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Financial Controller
Reference: 367
Responsible to: Senior Finance Manager
Working hours: Up to 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £32,000 - £34,000 per annum
Based: Watford (some flexibility for hybrid work from home)

This is a position offering someone with the appropriate values and experience, the opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Finance Team, coordinating the Finance Department, ensuring that financial & payroll information is processed in accordance with HMN procedures & timescales.

As a Financial Controller you will work closely with the Senior Finance Manager to drive quality financial processes through the core of the organisation, leading on the management of the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Production of monthly management accounts to Senior Management budget holders
• Line Management of the Finance Administrators & Finance Officer
• Support with quarterly reconciliations & reports for Board
• Assisting with setting yearly budgets & projections in liaison with Senior Leadership Team & Finance Manager
• Assist budget holders in appropriate activity analysis
• Coordinating payroll processes are robust and efficient with HR
• Investigation of queries from suppliers & staff providing advice & assistance as required
• Produce ad-hoc financial/management information as required by the CEO or Senior Leaders
• To ensure financial systems guarantee clarity of requirement for grant and contract monitoring and compliance.
• Oversee all financial transactions, and sales and purchase invoices are accurately entered by the finance team into QuickBooks & ensure financial information is processed in accordance with procedure
• Awareness of UK accounting requirements and Charity SORP changes that may affect the organisation.
• The post holder will support SMT with budgets for service implementations and service development to facilitate continuous improvement and safe practice.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for applications will be 20th July 2026.
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis at our Watford Wellbeing Centre.
This advert may close early if a suitable applicant is found. Please submit your application as soon as possible.

N.B. Please quote reference number 367 when completing your application for this role.

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. 

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Caseworker to join our Domestic Abuse team based at our office in Portsmouth with regular travel required throughout the region.

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
• 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 them explaining our services, and assessing 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 on a bespoke case management system
• Make calls to offer support to victims of domestic abuse, delivering immediate support.
• Develop, deliver and monitor safety and support plans for those affected by crime who accept ongoing support
• Liaise and actively engage with other local providers to share information on the VS service offer
• Work as part of a team with staff and the volunteer team to provide a seamless service to clients

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.
• Strong IT skills, including the ability to navigate and utilise bespoke case management systems effectively and an ability to use Microsoft Office applications to a high standard
• 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.
• Personal resilience to manage exposure to highly emotional or sensitive demands of the role

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.

With Salesforce, Microsoft O365, and Power BI as our primary business systems, this role helps to refine and enhance our ways of working, while gaining exposure to system development across a broad range of platforms.
Working in close partnership with the Change Manager, the Business Analyst acts as a key interface between the Foundation’s business functions – including Impact on Urban Health, Charities, People & Culture, and Endowment – and the technical specialists within the Technology team.

The Business Analyst is fundamental to ensuring that colleagues across the organisation are equipped with the systems, processes, and information they require to deliver high quality, impactful work.

Strategic Alignment
• Recommend and champion improvements to the Foundation’s ways of working to ensure alignment with the Digital Transformation Strategy.
Business Analysis
• Analyse business processes to understand current workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience.
Requirements Gathering & Documentation
• Facilitate workshops, interviews, and discovery sessions to gather requirements.
• Produce clear documentation including user stories, acceptance criteria, process maps, and functional specifications.
Data Analysis
• Interpret organisational data to identify trends, issues and opportunities.
• Support evidence-based decision making across teams.
Project Delivery & Project Management
• Lead project delivery using agile methodologies where appropriate.
• Manage delivery against agreed plans and report progress to internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and manage project risks, issues, and dependencies.
Process Design & Support
• Work closely with users to design new processes and optimise existing ones.
• Support teams to ensure processes are followed effectively and in line with governance requirements.
• Collaborate with People & Culture to develop training and induction materials that support effective system and process use.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Build strong working relationships across the Foundation.
• Manage expectations and priorities across technical and non-technical groups.
Business Partnering
• Work collaboratively with the Technology team to identify patterns, cross-organisational opportunities, and recurring issues.
• Support technical colleagues in responding to end user support requests.
Testing & Quality Assurance
• Ensure all developments are thoroughly tested and meet user expectations.
• Contribute to consistent standards in terminology, templates, and record management.
Product Backlog Management
• Manage the product backlog in partnership with product owners and the Salesforce administration team, ensuring prioritisation aligns with business needs.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date process documentation, standard operating procedures, and knowledge base materials.
Documentation & Knowledge Management
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date process documentation, standard operating procedures, and knowledge base materials.
Governance & Compliance
• Ensure system and process designs comply with internal governance frameworks, audit requirements and data protection regulations.
Business As Usual Activities
• Support day-to-day system operations, including responding to support requests, performing minor configuration changes, and delivering training.
• Carry out any additional ad hoc tasks required to support the Technology team.
Ways of Working
• Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing the Technology team’s internal ways of working.

Role responsibilities are not exhaustive, and you would be reasonably expected to take on wider tasks that are commensurate with the level of your role

Skills, abilities, and attributes:
• Self-starter – adaptable, proactive, works with integrity, and exhibits our enterprising, collaborative, delivery-minded and inclusive cultural and behavioural values.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – able to liaise with both internal and external teams confidently and effectively.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Imaginative and innovative – able to look at problems from different angles and develop alternative solutions.
• Logical and methodical – able to plan and document complex workflows and processes that can accommodate all possible outcomes.
• Great planning and organisational skills – able to work to multiple prioritised tasks, targets, and deadlines.
• Passion for quality and accuracy.
• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Enterprising – looks at things from different angles and is open to new ideas and perspectives.
• Collaborative – contributes to collective effort and gives time and attention to people and ideas.
• Delivery-minded – is accountable for results and willing to get stuck in and work at pace.

Knowledge, experience, and qualifications:

• Business analysis, process design and documentation experience (essential)

• Experience of running requirement gathering workshops (essential)

• Cross-team collaboration (essential)

• Experience in delivering transformative projects (essential)

• Delivery of group and individual training (essential)

• Agile methodology (essential)

• Experience of leading and facilitating meetings and workshops, using a range of recognised techniques to elicit requirements, gather feedback, present findings and provide well-reasoned recommendations to inform delivery decisions.

• Project management (desirable)

Benefts:

• Contributory pension
• Annual personal development budget
• Annual health and wellbeing personal allowance
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave pay accessible without length of service requirements.
• Health and wellbeing programme that offers optional free yearly health check-ups.
• Support for healthy eating via fruit bowls and onsite lunch facilities. 
• Agile working, flexible hours, and supportive IT kit. 
• Shower facilities and bike lock area. 
• Generous annual leave (27 days + bank holidays)
• Subsidies for glasses
• Employee Assistance Programme

We are hiring a Communications and Content Manager, Challenge Works

Summary
Challenge Works is a global leader in designing and delivering prizes that incentivise innovative solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in health, climate, cities, and frontier technology. We are looking for a Communications and Marketing Manager to join the communications team, to take the lead on designing and delivering high-impact prize communications strategies, while working in close partnership with the Senior Communications and Marketing Manager to identify opportunities to build, strengthen, and elevate the Challenge Works brand.

A core priority for this role will be building out our creative content capabilities. They will bring proven experience in using video, multimedia, and compelling storytelling to drive deep audience engagement and bring the human impact of our prizes to life.

Working collaboratively with project teams, they will apply their marketing and communications expertise to identify the best tactics to increase profile and brand recognition among target audiences. They will own the delivery of these communication and content projects, while working closely with the wider communications team to provide specialist expertise in areas such as media, events, and digital.

The ideal candidate will be an effective project manager, able to deliver across multiple projects simultaneously, and a collaborative communicator, capable of translating complex messages into clear, compelling narratives. They will thrive in fast-paced environments, and be skilled at juggling multiple priorities, supported by a small but skilled team with a strong culture of collaboration.

The role

• Independently design, project manage and execute comprehensive end-to-end communications and marketing strategies for our portfolio of challenge prizes, working with the programme teams to meet communications objectives and use communications tactics to support the prize’s theory of change.
• Lead the development of Challenge Works’ multimedia storytelling capabilities. Oversee the production of high-quality video, digital, and editorial content that brings the impact and stories of our innovators to life.
• Develop and deliver an always on content strategy across Challenge Works owned channels which identifies narrative arcs within individual prizes that can be leveraged to elevate the global Challenge Works brand.
• Establish and manage a tracking and reporting framework to evaluate the effectiveness of comms activity throughout a campaign, using data to provide actionable, data-informed recommendations based on insights for the Senior Communications and Marketing Manager and prize delivery teams.
• Oversee and curate a pool of external suppliers, ensuring we achieve high-quality outputs and strong value for money. Hold specific responsibility for managing and nurturing the relationship with web developers, ensuring digital products - especially prize microsites - are well-designed, functional, and delivered to spec.
• Equip prize delivery teams with high-quality comms tools and guidance. Develop and maintain practical toolkits, run training sessions, and provide tailored advice so that each team consistently applies best-practice communications and is confident in communicating its prize for maximum impact.

The person

• Significant experience managing multi-channel marketing and communications campaigns (ideally within innovation, tech, policy, or purpose-driven sectors) with demonstrable commercial or reputational impact.
• A strong track record of conceptualising and delivering creative content campaigns, with specific experience in using video and digital storytelling to engage complex audiences.
• Experience briefing and managing external creative agencies or freelancers, ensuring high-quality outputs and value for money.
• Experience developing a range of content formats including graphics, video, and audio, using platforms such as Canva or Adobe.
• Experience in managing a suite of owned channels, including social media management tools, email marketing platforms, and CMS platforms and knowledge of how to maximise the mix of web, socials and newsletters for brand awareness and developing content suitable for use across all.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work with and support multiple teams efficiency and effectively
• A flair for communicating clearly, concisely and persuasively, verbally and in writing, with proven ability to translate complex topics around entrepreneurship, business, technology, and science into clear, accessible and effective communications products

What we offer

Salary: Circa £50,700 plus an array of benefits including private medical insurance, dental insurance, the ability to buy and sell annual leave, eyecare vouchers and more

Location: Hybrid, with two days per week in the London office. We ask that our team attend the office on Tuesday and Thursday.

Term: Permanent

Hours: We are flexible between 22.5 to 37.5 hours per week, please state your preferred hours in your application

Flexibility: We offer a range of flexible working arrangements and encourage our people to take advantage of them. Many do.

Reports to: Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, Challenge Works

About Nesta
Nesta is a research and innovation foundation that designs, tests and scales solutions for the biggest challenges of our time.

Driven by a vision to improve the lives of millions of people, our focus up to 2030 is on three missions: breaking the link between family background and life chances, halving obesity and cutting household carbon emissions.

We work with partners across the public, private and third sectors to develop high-potential solutions and test them as they evolve, drawing on deep expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, data science, behavioural science and design.

Once confident in the effectiveness of a solution, we are relentless in the pursuit of scale. We create and make the case for ambitious national policy proposals, develop consumer-facing products and services, spin out and support commercial ventures and harness the power of the arts to shape national narratives.

We extend our impact through two specialised units that help others to solve complex problems and achieve their missions. BIT applies a deep understanding of human behaviour to help clients achieve their goals.

Challenge Works designs and runs challenge prizes to spark innovation in science, technology and society.

Together, we are building a powerful ecosystem for innovation that delivers proven solutions to create lasting, positive change.

Making an application
To apply for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter before Wednesday 15th July 2026

Interviews will take place w/c 27th July 2026

At Nesta, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results.

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

This means that when we are recruiting, we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates. It also means that we are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Age UK Bromley & Greenwich is an independent local charity supporting older people across both boroughs. We work to enable, support and connect older people, promote independence and wellbeing and ensure their voices are heard.

We are looking for an Information & Advice Triage Worker to be the first point of contact for older people, carers and their families seeking support.

About the role

This role is central to our Information & Advice service. You will provide high-quality initial information and guidance, assess urgency and risk, and ensure people are directed quickly and appropriately to advice services, support services or partner organisations.

You will often be the first person someone speaks to, so a calm, empathetic and professional approach is essential.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for enquiries, mainly by telephone, with some face-to-face and email contact

• Provide accurate information on issues affecting older people including benefits, housing, care, health and local services

• Carry out structured triage to identify needs, priorities and risks

• Manage expectations clearly and sensitively

• Identify safeguarding concerns and follow organisational procedures

• Make timely referrals to internal services and external partners

• Maintain clear professional boundaries while offering a warm, person-centred response

• Record all contacts accurately and promptly on the organisation’s CRM system

• Maintain clear, concise and professional case notes

• Ensure confidentiality, consent and data protection requirements are met

• Work closely with advisers, service coordinators and partner agencies

• Take part in team meetings, supervision and training

• Keep knowledge up to date on welfare benefits, services and local provision

• Promote Age UK Bromley & Greenwich services positively and professionally

About you

Essential

• Experience in frontline information, advice, triage or high-volume customer contact work

• Confidence handling calls from people who may be distressed, anxious or frustrated

• Strong listening and questioning skills

• Ability to assess urgency and risk and take appropriate action

• Clear verbal and written communication skills

• Experience using a CRM or case management system

• Good general IT skills including email and Microsoft applications

• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and professional boundaries

• Awareness of issues affecting older people and carers

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

• Empathy, patience and a non-judgemental approach

Desirable

• Experience in the voluntary sector or health and social care

• Knowledge of welfare benefits, housing or adult social care

• Experience of face-to-face advice or reception-based work

• Knowledge of local services in Bromley or Greenwich

What we offer

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), including two days over Christmas

• Pension scheme with 5% employee and 3% employer contributions

• Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 support

• Supportive team environment with training and development opportunities

If you want to play a vital role in helping older people feel heard, supported and confident accessing the right help, we would love to hear from you.

Hours: Part Time, 21 hours per week

Location: Any of our King's Trust offices or homeworking

Interviews: 5th and 6th August 2027

At The King's Trust, every gift from a supporter helps a young person take a positive step towards a brighter future. As our Supporter Care Executive, you'll play an important role in making sure every donation is processed accurately, every supporter feels valued, and every interaction reflects the exceptional experience we're committed to providing.

Working as part of our Supporter Care team, you'll be at the heart of our fundraising operation. You'll process donations, maintain supporter records, send acknowledgements and thank you letters, and work closely with colleagues across fundraising, finance and data to ensure income is recorded accurately and efficiently. You'll also be the first point of contact for many supporter enquiries, providing a friendly, professional service that builds confidence and lasting relationships with those who choose to support our work.

This is a varied role where you'll balance accuracy with excellent customer service. You'll help identify opportunities to improve processes, support fundraising campaigns and events, and ensure our supporter care activity is compliant with fundraising regulations and best practice.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who enjoys working with detail, takes pride in delivering excellent service, and thrives in a busy environment. You'll be organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

You'll bring:

• Experience of working in a customer service, supporter care or similar administrative role.
• Confident using Charity CRM-ideally Microsoft dynamics.
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly when processing financial information or large volumes of data.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with supporters and colleagues alike.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering a consistently high standard of work.

Why join us?

Every donation we receive helps transform the lives of young people. By ensuring each gift is processed accurately and every supporter receives an excellent experience, you'll play a vital role in helping us continue that work.

If you're excited by this opportunity and think you could make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Supporter Care Executives? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Supporter Care Executives! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Overview

The role will provide high-quality administrative, systems, and research support to the Quality Team, enabling consistent quality assurance across the grant-making cycle. The postholder will administer and improve the team’s Salesforce processes and data standards, coordinate key workflows and information management, support the Director of Quality, Quality Assurance Specialist and Impact (MEAL) Coordinator with scheduling and documentation, and deliver defined research tasks and short projects (e.g., into quality assurance approaches, MEAL frameworks, tools and best practice) to strengthen the team’s work.

Key internal relationships: Director of Quality; Quality Assurance Specialist; Impact (MEAL) Specialist; Regional Directors, Programme Managers and Project Officers; ICPO; Finance; Data/Systems owners.

Key Responsibilities

Salesforce administration and systems support

• Administer the Quality/Projects components of Salesforce (and associated tools), including user support, data standards, fields/picklists, basic configuration tasks within delegated permissions, and documentation of processes.
• Maintain data quality rules and routines (validation, required fields, definitions, and guidance) and run regular data quality checks, working with colleagues to resolve issues.
• Produce and maintain reports/dashboards for the Quality Team (e.g., pipeline status, stage-gate progress, approvals, conditions, timeliness, data completeness, and quality metrics).
• Log, triage, and coordinate Salesforce improvement requests, liaising with system owners/IT and supporting user testing and roll-out of updates.
• Create and maintain user guidance (how-to notes, short training materials) to support consistent use of Salesforce and associated quality workflows

Administrative support to the Quality Director and team coordination

• Support the Quality Assurance and Impact (MEAL) Specialists with planning timetables, collating papers, maintaining decision/action logs, and following up actions with stakeholders.
• Prepare and format documents to agreed standards (templates, document control, version control) and maintain an audit-ready filing system in SharePoint (or equivalent).

·Coordinate team processes, including shared calendars, team meetings, process documentation, and communications that help the Quality Team operate consistently.

Research and special projects (Quality assurance, MEAL and learning)

• Undertake defined research tasks to support the Quality Team’s priorities (e.g., QA approaches in grant-making, MEAL frameworks and tools, file review methodologies, sampling approaches, learning loops, and good practice in documentation and audit trails).
• Produce short research summaries/briefings with practical recommendations for the Director of Quality and Specialists, including options, pros/cons, and implications for Barnabas processes.
• Support discreet improvement projects (e.g., updating templates/checklists, improving guidance, piloting a new dashboard or QA tool) and track actions to implementation.

·Maintain a small library of standards, templates, guidance, and reference materials (including MEAL and QA resources) for the team.

Pre-Committee Proposal Scrutiny

·Formal review of all project proposals before submission to the projects subcommittee to improve quality by ensuring:

oProposals are internally consistent;

oProposed solutions credibly meet the identified needs;

oThe response is proportionate and broadly consistent with other Barnabas Aid projects of a similar nature;

oBeneficiary selection is conducted appropriately and can be justified;

oThe proposal is strategically aligned, represents good value-for-money and meets all of Barnabas Aid’s project policies;

oRelevant harms have been considered and mitigated;

oA proportionate M&E approach is in place;

oPrudent but pragmatic financial arrangements (e.g. split into tranches, use of intermediaries) are adopted and justified.

·In conjunction with regional teams, undertake light editing of proposals to improve clarity and correct inconsistencies and typographical errors.

·Document checks to ensure all due diligence activities have been conducted before proposal is put to the subcommittee.

Post-Committee Follow-up

·Track actions provided by committee to ensure projects fully implement committee decisions (e.g. splitting into tranches, reporting requirements, risk management, etc)

·Draft, for regional team’s approval, project approval/project rejection letters to partners, including all relevant provisions for management of the grants.

Compliance, confidentiality, and continuous improvement

• Handle sensitive information responsibly, ensuring appropriate confidentiality, data protection, and information security practices are applied.

·Support the Quality Team to evidence required checks and maintain consistent records across systems and files, raising risks or gaps as appropriate.

Other duties

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties. From time to time, the employee may be asked or required to carry out other additional tasks, or duties, over and above their usual day to day activities. Employees are expected to work collaboratively across the regional team, including providing flexible support and surge cover as needed.

Person Requirement

Essential

·Bible-believing follower of Jesus: Demonstrates a personal commitment to discipleship and growing in faith. In good standing with their Church, actively

participating in its life and community. Committed to affirming and signing Barnabas Aid’s Statement of Faith.

·Educated to degree-level or equivalent, with strong administrative and systems experience.

·Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to administration, data/systems, quality, research, MEAL, or project/grants work

·Experience in a busy administrative role, supporting multiple stakeholders, scheduling meetings, and coordinating actions to deadlines.

·Experience administering or providing ‘super-user’ support for a CRM/database (preferably Salesforce), including maintaining data standards and producing reports/dashboards.

·Experience with document control and shared filing systems (e.g SharePoint), including version control and maintaining audit-ready records.

·Experience undertaking structured research tasks and producing clear summaries/recommendations for non-specialist audiences.

·Highly organised with strong attention to detail; able to manage multiple deadlines and stakeholders.

·Strong systems aptitude: able to document processes, apply data standards, run checks, and support colleagues to use systems consistently.

·Ability to produce clear reports/briefings and summarise research into practical recommendations.

·Confident with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint) and comfortable learning new systems.

·Discretion and good judgement when handling confidential/sensitive information.

Desirable

·Experience working in the charity, international development, or faith-based sector.

·Salesforce administration training/qualification (or equivalent CRM certification).

·Training in research methods, MEAL, data analysis, or quality/process improvement

·Experience in grants administration, governance support, programme/project support, or compliance-focused roles.

·Experience supporting QA, audit, MEAL, or learning processes (e.g., file reviews, indicator tracking, learning events).

·Ability to build and maintain Salesforce reports/dashboards and/or familiarity with basic Salesforce admin concepts (profiles/permissions within delegated scope).

·Familiarity with MEAL concepts (monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning) and how they support quality and learning in programmes.

·Understanding of grants governance, restricted funds, and/or donor intent in a charity setting.

·Experience working in a distributed/remote team environment.

Personal Qualities

·Service-minded and collaborative; enjoys enabling others to do their work effectively.

·Proactive and solutions-focused; comfortable addressing issues, prompting actions and following up with colleagues.

·Curious and methodical; able to work independently on research tasks and present findings clearly.

How to Apply

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter demonstrating how your skills and experience make you a good fit for this role and for the mission of Barnabas Aid.

We're looking for a proactive and people-focused People & Culture Manager to join YMCA South Midlands and help us build a workplace where people can do their very best work.

This is a hands-on operational HR role where no two days are ever the same. One day you'll be supporting a manager through a complex employee relations issue, the next you'll be interviewing candidates, coaching managers through difficult conversations, leading an induction, organising a staff event or helping improve the way we recruit, develop and support our people.

You'll be the trusted HR partner for managers across the organisation, providing practical, commercially minded and legally compliant advice whilst delivering an exceptional employee experience from recruitment through to leaving.

We're looking for someone who enjoys working at pace, thrives on variety and genuinely wants to make a difference. You'll need to be confident, resilient and highly organised, with the ability to balance empathy with accountability. We're proud of our supportive culture, but we're equally ambitious about building a high-performing organisation where people take ownership, strive for excellence and are supported to succeed.

If you're someone who enjoys solving problems, making things happen and building great relationships, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of People & Culture, you'll lead the day-to-day operational HR service across YMCA South Midlands, ensuring managers receive expert advice and employees are treated fairly, consistently and with respect.

You'll be the first point of contact for managers on a wide range of people matters, providing practical solutions and ensuring compliance with employment legislation and HR best practice.

This is a role for someone who enjoys being visible, building relationships and working closely with managers to help them lead their teams confidently and effectively.

The role is based across both our Milton Keynes and Northampton sites. You'll typically work three days each week in Milton Keynes and two days in Northampton, with some flexibility to work from home where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

You'll play a key role across the entire employee lifecycle, including:

• Providing first-class HR advice and guidance on all people & HR matters.
• Leading the end-to-end recruitment process, helping us attract and appoint outstanding people.
• Managing onboarding, inductions and probation reviews to ensure every new colleague has a brilliant start.
• Managing a wide range of employee relations cases, including disciplinaries, grievances, capability, performance, absence management and investigations.
• Supporting with sickness absence, wellbeing action plans, reasonable adjustments and family-friendly matters.
• Managing leavers including holding exit interviews 
• Advising on UK employment law, HR policies and best practice.
• Supporting managers to build high-performing teams through coaching, challenge and practical advice.
• Organising staff engagement initiatives, recognition activities and social events that strengthen our culture.
• Identifying opportunities to improve HR systems, processes and ways of working.
• Supporting organisational change projects and wider People & Culture initiatives.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to continually improve the employee experience.
   

About You

You'll be an experienced HR professional who enjoys being at the heart of the organisation. We are happy to consider people stepping into their first HR Manager, as well as more experienced professionals. 

You'll need to love variety, work well under pressure and be comfortable managing multiple priorities at the same time. You're someone who takes ownership, finds solutions and gets things done without needing close supervision. You'll also need to be tech savvy and comfortable working in the MK office & the Derngate office. 

It's important you are approachable, kind and supportive, but equally confident having honest conversations and holding people to high standards where needed. You understand that a great HR function isn't about saying "yes" to everything. It's about making fair, balanced decisions that are right for both our people and the organisation.

You'll ideally have:

• CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Significant operational HR experience across the full employee lifecycle.
• Excellent working knowledge of UK employment law.
• Experience independently managing a broad range of employee relations cases.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence, resilience and sound judgement.
• A proactive, positive approach and a good sense of humour.
• The ability to work independently whilst contributing positively to a collaborative team.

It would be an advantage if you have experience using BambooHR.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine impact within a growing organisation that's ambitious about both its people and the communities it serves.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a real difference in a purpose-driven organisation.
• Help shape a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Build trusted relationships with managers across the organisation.
• Influence how we recruit, develop and support our people.
• Lead meaningful HR projects and continuously improve how we work.
• Join a supportive team where your ideas and expertise will be valued.
   

Everyone is Welcome Here

At YMCA South Midlands, we believe everyone should feel they belong.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the people we serve and where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

As a Christian charity, our faith inspires our values and our commitment to serving others. We welcome people of all faiths and none, and appointments are made on merit.

Reasonable Adjustments

We want every candidate to have the opportunity to perform at their best throughout our recruitment process.

If you have a disability, long-term health condition or are neurodivergent and would benefit from any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us at any stage. We'll be happy to discuss how we can support you.

Safer Recruitment

YMCA South Midlands is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all colleagues to share this commitment.

As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete pre-employment checks, which will include a DBS check, verification of identity and right to work in the UK, employment references, qualification checks (where applicable) and other relevant pre-employment screening in line with our Safer Recruitment Policy.

Ready to Apply?

If you're passionate about people, thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to help build a culture where people are supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their best, we'd love to hear from you.

Main purpose of job:To work in the Navigator team supporting individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence and or sexual abuse. As a first contact worker, you will act as a gateway to both specialist counselling and advocacy services and additional specialist support services in Essex. You will use your considerable experience to provide a high-quality telephone information and support service.

The support you deliver will help individuals on their pathway to wellbeing, recovery, and social inclusion through building trusting and collaborative relationships. You will guide users to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources/interventions.

You will work within a team of first contact navigators under the supervision of a service lead. You will be highly motivated and dedicated, have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision.

Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary:£26,496 - £28,845 (NJC Scales 12-17) per annum, pro-rata.

Contract: This will be a permanent contract.

Hours: 35 hours per week.  

Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working if a suitable environment is available.  Some travel to other locations in Essex may be required, particularly during the induction period.

Holiday: 25 days per year, pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications. 

Application deadline:  10am Friday 24th July 2026 

Interviews:  Week beginning 3rd August 2026

Start date: Immediate, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1

Job Description

The First Contact Navigator posts will play a central role in the CARA team, ensuring that our service users and other agencies receive a high-quality service from the moment of first contact. You will work as part of a wider team of First Contact Navigators across Essex, based at our Synergy Essex Partner centres. The post liaises with clients, the CARA team and external agencies, providing advice, support and information.

The First Contact Navigator will engage with individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, sexual violence and or sexual abuse who require information, signposting and short-term support.  You will be the first contact and conduct first meetings, managing your own caseload and co-ordinating personalised support for individuals on their pathway to wellbeing. You will have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision. You will support people who use CARA services to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources. You will work collaboratively with service users, the CARA team and other professional agencies to navigate and coordinate services.  

At the outset, the main responsibilities of the post will be:

• To act as a first point of contact for new referrals and enquiries, providing information, emotional support, advice and signposting.
• To complete first contact calls and assessments with clients over the telephone, assessing client needs and suitabilty for services.
• To ensure information about new referrals/enquiries is accurately recorded on CARA’s database in real time.
• To work collaboratively and build trust with service users, agencies, personal and professional support networks to collate relevant information to effect individualised support requirements.
• To assess and engage service users not currently engaged in appropriate specialist sexual violence services.
• To seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources.
• To assist survivors and relatives/supporters of survivors in understanding the range of resources and services available to them.
• To support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs and aspirations.
• To identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns
• To work as a link between clients, CARA staff and external agencies, ensuring appropriate information is passed on.
• To work closely with the Essex-wide team of First Contact Navigators and Information and Referral Coordinators to ensure effective referral processes across Essex.
• To act as a point of contact for external agencies making referrals to CARA, answering queries about our referral process.
• To cover the enquiry line and the office phone and deal with enquiries as required.
• To pro-actively promote CARA’s services to external agencies, ensuring they are aware of our referral procedures.
• To contribute to development of promotional information, to ensure information about the referral process is clear and accessible.
• To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.
• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.
• To report to the Service Engagement Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports.
• To be administratively self-servicing.
• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Head of Operations, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.