Community food worker jobs

We're looking for a kind, resilient and compassionate Support Worker to join our Learning Disability Service in Newham.

£28,808 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Hi, I'm P and I am a 27-year-old man who currently lives in a supported living service in Newham. I have lived here for just over one year, and came to England with my mother from Poland in 2015.
I am a friendly and engaged man, but I speak very little English and communicate easiest in Polish so need someone who can support me with this and support me with learning some English. I do enjoy staying connected with my Polish heritage but would like support to socialise better with those around me. I have a very good relationship with my family, particularly my mother, brother, nieces and nephews, and usually spend the weekends with my mother at her home when I can.
I enjoy dancing and singing, and like watching Youtube to sing and dance along to the videos. I also attend the local learning zone for crafting classes, and enjoy games and other crafting activities. I also enjoy "man things" like sports and drinking coffee (decaf!) or going shopping and to the pub (where I enjoy non-alcoholic beer). It is important to me that I can live as independent and adult a life as possible.
My favourite foods are burgers, pizza and cola but I need to be supported and encouraged to keep healthy, and make healthy choices as well as maintain my environment - I may need prompting and support to engage in chores such as cleaning my room, doing my laundry, washing up etc.
I am looking for a proactive individual to support me with these daily living skills, building and maintaining relationships, keeping myself and my home safe but also to help me develop my skills to live more independently, to share my hobbies and interests and to explore new activities.
I am looking for someone who is a good and clear communicator, in both Polish and English, is assertive, has good IT skills and shares my enthusiasm for what interests me, like music, food and meaningful activities.
Look Ahead ensures I am treated with dignity and respect and only staff who can live up to the organisational values become part of my support team.

Professional Skills:
* Compassionate and able to help me manage my support needs
* Assertive and able to help me make choices that I want for my life
* Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health
* Understands the Positive Behaviour Support framework
* Can be creative around activities, both in the house and in the local community
* Calm and patient
* Good reporting skills, IT skills and keen on using digital systems and new technologies.

Essential criteria - Polish Language Speaker

Shifts are 07:00-15:00 or 14:00-22:00 so includes evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required.

Want to feel valued? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

THE CLINK CHARITY

YOUTH SUPPORT WORKER (LONDON & SOUTHEAST)

Salary: £30,000 FTE

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time, 39 hours p/w

Location:  Supporting students from The Clink’s sites across London and the South East

Applications close on Friday 27th March but will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are    advised

 ABOUT THE CLINK CHARITY

The Clink Charity, founded in 2009, aims to prevent and reduce reoffending through training, rehabilitation, and support. We deliver hospitality and horticulture training behind the prison walls and in the community by creating an environment where our students are supported to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to rebuild their lives.

Since that time, we have trained approximately 5,000 people in prison and delivered 2,600 City & Guilds qualifications in a variety of hospitality and food courses.

What makes The Clink so unique is our post-release support and mentoring programme that rehabilitates an offender back into society through assistance with health and mental health issues, housing, employment, family connections and friendships.

The charity operates an award-winning fine-dining restaurant open to the public inside HMP Brixton, training kitchens in the prison estate, horticulture projects at HMP Send and HMP Erlestoke, a commercial bakery in Brixton, and a bespoke delivery service, Catered by Clink.

Additionally, Clink Events is our social enterprise catering business with food produced by the women in HMP Downview and also in an additional kitchen at Herne Hill and then served by alumni on front of house at some of the best venues in London including: the Guildhall, the Science Museum, Cutty Sark, Kew Gardens and the Camden Roundhouse. In 2024, across 218 events, The Clink fed 36,000 people.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Clink Training Café, located in Herne Hill, is a real-life professional kitchen and café that provides young people with meaningful work experience over a 12-week programme. During this time, participants work towards five accredited City & Guilds qualifications while gaining hands-on hospitality and employability skills.

We work closely with the Youth Justice Service, as well as Children in Care and Care Leavers teams, to engage vulnerable and at-risk young people in the programme. Many of the young people we support are at risk of criminal exploitation and grooming, and we also work with neurodivergent young people who have additional learning needs.

At our café in Herne Hill, we have supported 100% of our students who have participated in the program to graduate into further education or employment.

The Youth Support Worker will provide a high quality and responsive support, mentoring and advocacy service which creatively addresses the needs and risks of our students and graduates, enabling them to avoid the risk of criminal exploitation upon completion of the program and to progress into the next step of their education or employment pathway.

You will be joining The Clink Charity at an exciting time as we plan to scale the success of our Café project by taking on a second site in Guildford to work with vulnerable NEET young people across Surrey. This role will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to mobilise this project and to take a leading role in building referrals, establishing networks and establishing this new intervention.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Youth Support Worker, you are responsible for:

Individualised Support

• Act as a strong advocate for all students, representing their needs and interests.

• Complete a personalised support plan for each student to understand their individual needs, challenges, and personal circumstances.

• Work closely with young people to identify risks, recognise warning signs, and develop strategies to reduce the likelihood of involvement in criminal exploitation, grooming, or other harmful behaviours.

• Support student engagement throughout the programme, addressing conflicts or challenges as they arise to maintain a positive learning environment.

• Establish appropriate boundaries and respond effectively to student behaviour to ensure a safe and inclusive environment.

• Support students in developing resilience, confidence, and independent decision-making skills.

Monitoring and Impact

• Conduct weekly 1:1 session with each student, focusing on personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and life skills such as budgeting, accurately logging all sessions in both internal and external CRM systems.

• Ensure all contact logs and essential paperwork are accurately updated and completed weekly.

• Contribute ideas to improve programme delivery and student engagement through innovative activities or support strategies.

• Use data insights to report progress to referral partners and funders.

Partnerships and Networks

• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with all external partners and networks.

• Engage with external partners to build the relationships needed to receive referrals for our target audience and meet with each student prior to starting the programme to ensure a smooth induction.

• Liaise with relevant networks and attend meetings with funders or partner organisations that support the students' development.

• Seek out new partnership opportunities to enable The Clink's youth programs to grow and develop.

Employer and Further Education Connections

• Establish relationships with a variety of employers and further education providers to support work placements and future career opportunities.

• Assist students in creating structured CVs and preparing for interviews, including attending interviews if required.

Safeguarding

• To prioritise child protection and safeguarding of beneficiaries.

• Report and log all safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead promptly, following charity policies.

General

• Travel between different sites when necessary, including locations such as our second site in Guildford, Surrey. Able to accompany our young people on trips, visits, or work placements, always maintaining safety and professional standards.

• Attend all training sessions and supervision meetings provided by senior management.

• Work collaboratively with staff across The Clink to achieve the best outcomes for young people and maintain healthy, professional working relationships.

• Support the planning and delivery of special events, career fairs, or community engagement projects.

DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Holds an enhanced DBS check suitable for working with both children and adults, ensuring full compliance with safeguarding and legal requirements.

• Experience of working with young people aged 16-25, with an understanding of their developmental stages, personal challenges, and individual needs.

• Possesses a relevant youth work qualification or equivalent, demonstrating a commitment to professional standards and best practice in supporting young people.

• Experience of working in prisons, youth offender institutions, or the criminal justice

system, including having lived experience, and the ability to use this knowledge to positively guide young people.

• Experience of supporting young people involved in gangs, at risk of exploitation, or affected by county lines, with the ability to identify risks and implement interventions to reduce harm.

• Experience of networking and building strong professional relationships with employers, apprenticeship services, and external partners to support education, training, and work placement opportunities.

• Experience of referring young people to specialist services and working collaboratively within a multi-agency framework to provide holistic support and guidance.

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and the PREVENT Duty, with the ability to assess risks, consult with line managers, and log appropriately in line with organisational protocols.

• Ability to maintain a safe, structured environment with clear boundaries while responding appropriately to behaviours and supporting young people to make positive choices.

• Ability to identify risk factors for criminal exploitation or grooming, help young people recognise warning signs, and implement strategies to reduce their vulnerability.

• Strong numeracy skills, sufficient to assist young people with budgeting, calculating benefit entitlements, understanding rent arrears, and managing finances.

• IT literate, able to maintain accurate records, logs, and assessments on internal and external systems while ensuring data is up to date and securely stored.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Able to build trust, motivate, and advise a diverse group of young people while maintaining professional relationships.

• Able to adopt a supportive, confident, and motivating approach, inspiring young people, building their self-esteem, and promoting positive personal development.

• Demonstrate empathy, patience, and understanding of the diverse challenges young people may face, including personal, social, and emotional issues.

• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability, able to respond to changing circumstances and manage stress effectively while maintaining a positive approach.

• Highly organised and proactive, able to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities efficiently without compromising the quality of support.

• Committed to teamwork and collaboration, working effectively with colleagues, external partners, and multi-agency teams to achieve the best outcomes for young people.

• Willingness to engage in continuous training, professional development, and reflective practice to enhance knowledge, skills, and performance.

REPORTING LINES MANAGEMENT EXPECTATIONS

You will report directly to the Support Lead for London and the SE, the Executive Leadership Team, but also work closely with any external networks such as the local authority and related Clink project leads in the community. 

GENERAL CLINK CHARITY INFORMATION

All staff are expected to:

• Comply with all current legislation

• Comply with all prison operational policies

• Comply with The Clink Staff Handbook

• Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your manager

Special Requirements:

• Must have an enhanced DBS for children & adults

• A driving licence is preferred because of travel between sites — but not essential.

Company Benefits:

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays

• Company pension scheme

• Free meals on duty when based in a restaurant or at Herne Hill site.

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for this post, please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides of A4).

In your supporting statement you should ensure that you try to address the desirable criteria set out in the person specification for the role. Make sure you give evidence which shows how you meet the criteria, not just telling us that you did it.

Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis for this role, so early applications are encouraged. The deadline for applications is Friday 27th March.

We do not send individual acknowledgment of applications due to the high volume we receive, and we will only contact candidates who are shortlisted for an interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

If you would like an informal chat about this role, we can offer a call with a member of The Clink Team. Even if you feel you do not meet some of the criteria listed above, we would still welcome applications from passionate candidates who are keen to make a difference.

Appointment process

Applicants who have demonstrated that they meet the desirable criteria set out in the person specification will be contacted and interviews arranged on a rolling basis.

Interview

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to a selection process. A panel of two or more, including the recruiting manager conducts all interviews. If there are any special arrangements associated with the selection process e.g. tests or presentations, you will be informed accordingly.

Interview outcome

If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the outcome. The successful candidate will have the decision confirmed in writing as an offer of employment. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback.

References

If you are successful in your application, you are asked to provide us with the details of two referees. We only contact referees with your permission after an offer of employment has been made.

All offers of employment are conditional upon the receipt of references that are satisfactory to The Clink Charity, verification of right to work in the UK and where applicable, verification of qualifications and Disclosure and Barring Service (where required). 

Personal information

The personal information that you have supplied will only be used for recruitment and selection purposes. You should refer to the Privacy Notice on our website, which sets out how The Clink Charity will deal with the personal and sensitive data you have provided in your application form and supporting information.

EDI

We welcome all applicants and are keen to enhance our team to reflect the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disabled people, those from LGBTQIA+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those experiencing other forms of marginalisation, as they are underrepresented at this level. In addition, as this role works directly with people in prison and those at risk of offending, those with lived experience are encouraged to apply. 

Accessible recruitment

The Clink Charity is committed to making our recruitment process and workplace accessible to all. If you are an applicant with a disability and/or have any specific needs or adjustments that you would like us to consider, at application, interview, or appointment stage, please make us aware in your application.

Paper & Cup is recruiting a Charity Shop Manager to run our day-to-day retail operation within our social enterprise space.
Paper & Cup is part of Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT), supporting people in recovery from addiction and homelessness through training and work experience.

This is a full-time position (35 hours per week, including weekend work / bank holidays) with a starting salary of £27,000 per year.

A bit about you
You’re friendly, hands-on and well organised, with strong customer service instincts and an eye for clothing, fashion and presentation. You’re confident leading a small team of staff and volunteers, setting clear standards, and keeping things running smoothly from rotas and stock to merchandising, quality, hygiene and health & safety.

You’ll also be comfortable supporting trainee placements for people in recovery, working alongside SCT colleagues to help create a positive, professional learning environment with appropriate boundaries.

Please see the full Job Description attached.

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter explaining how and why you’re a good match for the role.

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Living Wage Foundation

The Living Wage movement began in 2001, after Citizens UK brought together communities in East London to discuss poverty and low pay. The campaign grew in momentum and soon required a mechanism to recognise employers who wanted to join the movement, which saw the establishment of the Living Wage Foundation in 2011.

Still part of Citizens UK today, the Living Wage Foundation continues to work with community organisations to make sure the voices of both workers and businesses are part of the Living Wage movement. We now work with over 16,000 employers, benefitting over 475,000 people and winning over £3bn of better wages for people who need it most.

Citizens UK works with a broad base of institutions across the political spectrum. At the Living Wage Foundation, we take the same deliberately broad-based approach and accredit all organisations who pay the real Living Wage to their directly and indirectly employed staff and are committed to tackling in work poverty. As a team we work across a range of industries and sectors to achieve this mission. We seek pragmatic coalitions in order to progress specific campaigns, and partnership around a particular issue such as Living Wage, does not imply an endorsement of broader purpose and policies.

Purpose

At Citizens UK, our organisers and project staff work within communities to develop leaders, strengthen organisations, campaign for change and organise across difference. There are various project roles and operational, communication, finance and HR roles that support the organisation and project staff and organisers to deliver on this mission and work. This work is rewarding and can be challenging; it requires a personal commitment to inclusion, a willingness to listen and disagree respectfully, and an interest in working in an organisation where our staff, member institutions and leaders will come from a diversity of backgrounds and often hold views that may be very different from our own. More information about how we operate within this context and build trusted relationships across difference can be found on our website and is covered in induction. Onboarding and navigating this relational culture, and type of work, is supported by line managers and further training.

Main Responsibilities

We are looking for highly motivated and organised individual to coordinate our accreditation scheme. The role will work with our network of employers, and support new organisations through the accreditation process.

The Programme Officer will lead our work in Yorkshire and Humber support our Managers to grow and deepen engagement with Living Wage Employers through our associated schemes. You will help to ensure our resources and publicity materials are well written and up-to-date, and to coordinate events to grow our employer network.

Working as the Programme Officer for Citizens UK, reporting to a Programme Manager, your main responsibilities will include:

Contribute towards the achievement of CUK and LWF’s strategic objectives

Understand how the role contributes to LWF’s purpose and the core mission of CUK.

Reliably implement CUK’s and LWF’s policies, procedures, and values in own work.

Work with CUK community organisers and leaders to promote civic engagement with and ownership of the Living Wage campaign.

Feed into the LWF strategy and objectives development.

Living Wage Accreditation:

Support key contacts at potential LW Employers through the accreditation process, from dealing with initial enquiries to guiding them through the employer journey, to checking and processing their accreditation.

Develop rewarding relationships with key employers, industry, and campaign partners within our networks to build interest in the Living Wage and deliver a high-quality experience to our accredited employers.

With support from the wider team, develop plans and strategies to grow the number of accreditations in specific regions or industries.

Collate and disseminate Living Wage criteria and policy issues through both internal and external facing guidance, whilst reviewing and monitoring its suitability.

Support the development and implementation of projects to promote and grow Living Wage accreditations and develop the quality of service offered.

Build and manage projects and achieve work targets effectively

Successfully progress projects and tasks incl. tracking performance and expenditure.

Deliver agreed areas of the LWF’s work plan and leading on agenda items to report into team meetings.

Support the growth and development of new and existing Living Wage schemes incl. Recognised Service Providers, LW Funders, LW Places, Living Hours, Global Living Wage and Living Work Consultancy.

Deliver personal work targets on time and to standard:

Respond to telephone and web-based enquiries by providing advice and support to employers and supporters.

Provide administrative support for all aspects of the accreditation journey, incl. processing accreditations, recognitions, and renewals.

Maintain LWF data on systems, incl. Salesforce employer database.

Support the maintenance of our systems to ensure efficient processes and develop reporting mechanisms for effective monitoring and evaluation of our impact and progress against plans.

Coordinate and administrate Steering, Advisory or Leadership Groups as required, incl. coordinating agendas, sending out timely papers, taking minutes and following up on actions.

Learning & expertise

Keep abreast of new developments in the accreditation space.

Apply new learning to work and respond effectively to feedback.

Work collaboratively with the LWF and franchise teams to share learnings and experience and ensure that we are meeting the expectations of our network and stakeholders.

Develop and manage external relationships

Effectively develop and support a range of external relationships.

Respond effectively to queries or requests from stakeholders.

Engage with a diverse range of external stakeholders to support and develop projects as required.

Communications

Communicate effectively within the LWF; ensuring that messages are reliably passed to those who need to know.

Represent the LWF coherently in writing and verbally.

Events and Communications.

Plan and organise events to celebrate and grow our network of LW Employers, incl. playing an active role in the delivery of LW Week and assisting colleagues with event logistics

Represent and speak on behalf of the LWF at internal and external meetings and events.

Develop or feed into employer resources incl. marketing materials, blogs, reports, templates, and guides.

Develop and manage internal relationships

Work effectively with colleagues across Citizens UK.

Work collaboratively within the LWF team and actively participate in the team to ensure we meet the expectations of our network and stakeholders.

Generate income and resources

Contribute to plans and proposals to grow sources of income/resource.

Take personal responsibility for the careful stewardship of LWF’s resources.

Personal Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

EXPERIENCE:

Comprehensive experience in an administrative role (E)

Experience of building positive relationships (E)

Experience of managing and updating Salesforce or similar databases (D)

Experience of delivering a range of high quality communications materials, including websites, reports, newsletters (D)

KEY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Excellent time management skills with the ability to juggle a wide range of competing demands (E)

Understanding of database and systems management (E)

Ability to take in and interpret information and present in a succinct manner (E)

Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, combined with the ability to liaise with senior stakeholders (E)

Ability to act on own initiative to introduce and develop new systems as appropriate (E)

Strong attention to detail  (E)

Strong IT skills to include MS Office and database software (E)

Understanding of the policy and campaign landscape in the UK (D)

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

A proactive approach to all areas of work with a ‘can do’ attitude and a flexible approach to work demands (E)

A strong commitment to the Living Wage campaign and principles of Citizens UK (E)

About the application process

We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role.

For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us.

Interviews will be in person in Leeds, week commencing 30th March.

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Purpose

This role will report to the Executive Director, Finance and Operations, and will be responsible for providing executive assistance to three Executive Team members; the Executive Director, Finance and Operations (EDF&O), the Director of Communications and External Affairs (DCEA) and the Director, London (DL). The main duties include scheduling meetings, handling correspondence and assisting with the management of projects that all Directors are involved in. To be successful in this role, you will be able to initiate, meet deadlines and communicate effectively. Ultimately, you will be identifying and addressing the needs of the Executive Director/Directors, performing management and administrative tasks and building good working relationships to increase the effectiveness of the organisation.

Main Responsibilities

Working as the Executive Assistant & Project Manager to three Executive Team members for Citizens UK, reporting to Executive Director, Finance and Operations, your main responsibilities will include:

Contribute towards CUK’s mission and strategic objectives through Executive Support function

· Manage Executive Director/Directors diaries including booking meetings, scheduling attendees and organising venues, in person and online.

· Manage Executive Director/Directors correspondence including prioritising and responding to emails.

· Schedule Appraisal and Supervision meetings and visits: ensuring Executive Director/Directors time is well used through proper preparation and follow-up with direct reports, other local staff and external stakeholders.

· Process expenses for Executive Director/Directors as well as processing of invoice payments.

· Maintain an electronic filing system, ensuring processes and software are up to date and in working order.

· Provide management and administrative support to assist Executive Director/Directors in their workload.

- Lead coordination of monthly financial budget calls, including scheduling and managing diaries for approximately 17 chapter meetings each month, alongside quarterly budget review sessions.

- Provide live meeting support for all budget calls, including screen sharing, documenting key points, managing attendance, and ensuring smooth delivery of all administrative aspects.

- Serve as Secretariat for the monthly Operations and Organisational Development (OOD) Team Meetings, including drafting agendas, circulating papers, taking accurate and timely minutes, and producing post-meeting action logs.

- Maintain and manage the OOD SharePoint site, ensuring documents, actions and meeting materials are updated, accessible, and appropriately organised.

- Act as the primary administrative point of contact for the OOD team, responding to queries, managing workflows, and ensuring effective communication across the team.

- Work closely with the Director of Organisational Development, providing proactive support in planning, preparing and running the OOD meetings they chair.

- Oversee action tracking and follow-up for all meetings, ensuring progress is monitored, deadlines are met, and information is escalated where appropriate.

- Support wider departments of each of Executive Director/Directors, as well as wider organisational and project administration, as required, to ensure smooth operational functioning during the maternity leave period.

Build and manage projects and achieve work targets effectively

· Co-ordinate projects and ensure follow-up with team members where required.

· Create and manage systems to monitor performance of the Chapters, Projects and staff supervised by Executive Director/Directors: e.g. through reporting mechanisms and supervisions and appraisals.

· Maintain an action log Executive Director/Directors including following up with those responsible to ensure actions are taken. Manage their workflow and to-do list, assisting with prioritisation and the delegation of tasks to staff.

Learning, expertise and inclusion

· Undertake appropriate personal and professional development.

· Provide others with relevant and helpful advice and technical support.

· Proactive in maintaining own wellbeing at work.

Develop and manage internal and external relationships

· Build and maintain good working relationships with staff and stakeholders.

· Schedule meetings as required, setting agendas and circulating any papers.

· Work collaboratively across Citizens UK to ensure that interactions meet the expectations of our network and stakeholders.

· Take minutes at meetings as requested at other meetings where necessary e.g. Executive Team, CUK Leadership Team, staff meetings and external meetings.

· Manage and coordinate work within team and colleagues across CUK.

· Effectively liaise with external stakeholders, suppliers etc.

Communications

· Assist with drafting and producing communications e.g. newsletters, emails and other media, liaising with the Comms Team.

· Attend/dial in and take minutes of meetings.

· Provide team and stakeholders with regular, timely communications.

· Attend meetings and represent CUK effectively to audiences in meetings and at events.

Knowledge Management

· Ensure data is handled and managed in a GDPR compliant manner.

· Maintain an electronic filing system, ensuring processes and software are up to date and in working order.

Managing income and resources

· Ensure careful use and stewardship of CUK’s resources when booking venues, travel and incurring other expenses.

· Create and manage admin systems to track income resources effectively.

Contribute towards the CUK mission & strategic objectives Demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment to the function and the core mission of CUK. Reliably implements and participates in the development of policies, procedures, and values in the delivery of work across the team.

Build and manage

projects and achieve

work targets

effectively Identifies opportunities, initiates and manages projects; incl. planning and organising work effectively. Delivers on functional KPIs and targets. Delivers to time and budget.

Learning, expertise

and Inclusion Keeps up-to-date with functional good practice, incl. within third sector. Tains and coaches others giving relevant advice and technical support., incl. ensuring team have access to training and development opportunities. Displays self-awareness of DEI issues and good practice. Considers the impact on direct reports. Acts as a role model for DEI awareness and implementation. Is alert to and manages the impact of DEI issues for direct reports and stakeholders.

Develop and manage

external

relationships Proactively develops and nurtures new and existing relationships that further CUK goals; manages a diverse range of relationships. Seeks feedback and acts to ensure that stakeholders are having a good experience of working effectively with CUK.

Develop and manage

internal

relationships Manages and coordinates their work within team and with colleagues across CUK. Effectively line managers and develops staff. Encourages a culture of transparency and sharing across CUK.

Communications Provides stakeholders with regular comms; ensuring their needs are met with timely, appealing, communication materials. Represents CUK effectively to audiences in meetings and at events.

Knowledge

Management Responsibility for ensuring team members record and store data accurately and GDPR compliantly.

Generate income

and resources Contributes to plans and proposals to grow sources of income/ manage resources. Negotiates with suppliers/ third parties to reduce cost base. Participates in the development of funding proposals.

Safeguarding, Health Proactively undertakes risk assessment and responsibility for team wellbeing.

& Safety & Wellbeing Proactive in maintaining own wellbeing and supporting direct reports in managing their own wellbeing at work.

Personal Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

· Degree or Diploma in Business Administration or associated subject (D)

EXPERIENCE

· Provision of administrative and diary assistance to Executive level (E)

· Experience of handling a wide range of correspondence (E)

· Project management skills to track and monitor progress across teams (E) (D)

· Taking and writing minutes, developing reports and presentations (E) (D)

KEY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

· Able to build relationships with a range of people and communicate clearly (E)

· Advanced level Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook (E)

· Diplomatic approach and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information. (E)

· Previously developed time management and prioritisation skills. (E)

PERSONAL QUALITIES & VALUES

· Ability to take initiative and work independently (E)

· Self-motivated and adaptable (E)

· A positive enthusiasm for working within third sector and aligned with Citizens UK’s values (E)

About the application process

We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role.

For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us.

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Purpose

The Head of People & Culture ensures that Citizens UK has the people, organisational capacity and enabling culture required to deliver its mission of building people power and strengthening civil society. The role plays a central part in securing a workforce that is capable, motivated and aligned with Citizens UK’s values, enabling the organisation to build strong alliances, support local leadership and achieve lasting social change.

Working as part of the senior leadership team, and under the direction of the Executive Director, Finance & Operations, the role strengthens organisational effectiveness by embedding fair, inclusive and well-governed people practices. Through sound employment frameworks, statutory compliance and a culture that supports engagement, performance and wellbeing, the Head of People & Culture safeguards Citizens UK’s resilience, reputation and ability to deliver impact at scale.

Main Responsibilities

Working as the Head of People & Culture for Citizens UK, reporting to the Executive Director, Finance & Operations, your main responsibilities will include:

People & Culture Strategy

Ensure Citizens UK has the people, capability and organisational shape required to deliver its mission and sustain impact over time.

· Analyse organisational strategy, change priorities and external context to identify their implications for people, capability, structure and ways of working.

· Carry out workforce planning to assess current and future capacity and capability, identifying gaps, risks and realistic options to address them.

· Develop, maintain and refresh the People & Culture strategy so it responds directly to organisational needs and provides clear priorities for action.

· Provide expert people and culture advice to the Executive Leadership Team and Board, informing strategic discussions, trade-offs and decisions.

Talent Management

Develop and implement talent management processes that ensure Citizens UK attracts, retains and sustains the people needed to deliver its work.

· Lead recruitment, selection and onboarding to bring in people who can perform effectively in their roles and are aligned with Citizens UK’s values.

· Develop and maintain retention approaches focused on the key drivers of retention, including meaningful work, effective management, development opportunities, wellbeing, inclusion and fair treatment.

· Identify critical roles and critical talent and put in place practical succession and risk-mitigation plans, including knowledge transfer, handover planning and interim cover where needed.

· Monitor employee experience across the employment lifecycle, using insight from feedback and people data to improve people practices and ways of working.

Performance, Leadership & Capability

Strengthen organisational effectiveness by enabling teams to perform well, grow in capability and contribute consistently to shared goals.

· Maintain and operate performance management processes, including objective setting, regular feedback and reviews, ensuring that staff are clear on expectations and accountable for results.

· Support managers to address performance issues constructively by clarifying expectations, strengthening feedback, building capability and resolving barriers to effective performance.

· Coordinate and deliver learning and development activity that supports managers and staff to build skills, leadership capability and confidence in their roles.

Organisational Culture, Engagement & Wellbeing

Foster a working environment where people feel engaged, supported and able to do their best work together.

· Promote Citizens UK’s values in everyday people practices, supporting managers to translate values into consistent behaviours, decision-making and ways of working.

· Design and operate staff engagement and feedback mechanisms, ensuring staff voice is heard, themes are analysed, and practical actions are taken in response.

· Develop and maintain wellbeing approaches that support psychological safety, healthy workload management, early resolution of concerns and sustainable working practices.

· Support constructive relationships with the Trade Union and enable effective consultation and dialogue on people-related matters. 

EDI & Safeguarding

Ensure Citizens UK is equitable, inclusive and safe for all by embedding fairness, care and accountability into how the organisation operates.

· Develop and implement Equity, Diversity and Inclusion priorities, using clear measures to monitor progress, identify gaps and support accountability across the organisation.

· Embed EDI considerations into recruitment, progression, policy development and everyday people decisions, working closely with relevant colleagues to ensure consistency in practice.

· Act as the People & Culture lead for safeguarding, ensuring responsibilities are clear, processes are understood, and concerns are handled appropriately, sensitively and in line with agreed procedures.

· Support managers and leaders to recognise and address inclusion or safeguarding issues early, escalating concerns where required and ensuring appropriate follow-up.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure Citizens UK has a clear, effective and trusted people governance framework that supports lawful decision-making, fair treatment and organisational confidence.

· Develop, review and maintain People & Culture policies and procedures, ensuring they are legally compliant, values-aligned and understood by managers and staff.

· Provide day-to-day advice and guidance on people-related risk and compliance, identifying emerging issues early and supporting proportionate, lawful responses.

· Manage disciplinary, grievance and other formal employment processes, ensuring fairness, consistency, appropriate documentation and timely resolution.

Systems & HR Operations

Ensure the efficient, reliable and compliant administration of people processes and systems.

· Operate and maintain HR systems, payroll processes and core people administration, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and compliance with organisational and legal requirements.

· Review and improve people processes to reduce duplication, minimise manual work and improve efficiency, making best use of available technology and automation.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date people records and data, ensuring information is accessible, secure and fit for reporting, audit and operational needs.

Functional Leadership & Resource Management

Build and manage CUK’s People & Culture function, ensuring that staff and resources contribute effectively to achievement of CUK’s mission.

· Plan, prioritise and sequence People & Culture work to ensure available capacity is focused on the organisation’s most important people risks and priorities.

· Manage the People & Culture budget, including payroll, monitoring spend and applying value-for-money principles in line with organisational policies.

· Manage People & Culture staff and outsourced service providers utilising an engaging leadership style to support effective delivery of expectations.

Personal Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Qualifications

· (E) CIPD qualification (Level 7) or equivalent senior-level professional experience in People / HR leadership

· (D) Degree or equivalent qualification in human resources, organisational development, management or a related field

Experience

· (E) Significant experience in a senior People / HR role, ideally within a charity, not-for-profit or values-driven organisation

· (E) Experience of leading and delivering people and culture priorities in complex, mission-led organisations

· (E) Experience of advising Executive and Board-level stakeholders on people, culture, governance and risk matters

· (E) Experience of operating as a senior, hands-on HR generalist, covering strategy, policy, employee relations and operational delivery

· (E) Experience of workforce planning, recruitment, performance management and organisational change

· (D) Experience of working with trade unions or staff representative bodies

Key skills and knowledge

· (E) Strong generalist HR expertise across employment law, compliance, safeguarding, performance management and people governance

· (E) Proven ability to design and implement practical people processes that support performance, inclusion and wellbeing

· (E) Strong coaching capability, with the ability to support managers to address performance, capability and behavioural issues constructively

· (E) Ability to manage complex employee relations matters with judgement, fairness and confidence

· (E) Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present clear advice and recommendations to senior leaders and boards

· (D) Knowledge of HR systems, people data and process improvement to support efficient delivery

Personal qualities & values

· (E) Strong commitment to social justice, inclusion and the values and mission of Citizens UK

· (E) Values-led and relational leadership style, combining empathy, integrity and pragmatism

· (E) Resilient and adaptable, able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment

· (E) Comfortable working within an accountable team culture, open to feedback, reflective practice and continuous improvement

· (D) Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends, and to travel when required to support organisational priorities

First round interviews to be held on W/C 16 March 2026

Second round interviews to be held on W/C 23 March 2026

Salary: £20,420 pro-rata (£27,227 FTE)

Hours of Work: 30 hours per week (working 1 weekend out of 4)

Location: Leicester city centre - Dispersed properties

Benefits: 33 days of annual leave, including bank holidays (pro-rata), Birthday leave, Service leave (pro-rata), Pension and Health Cash Plan, Company Sick Pay, Free on-site Gym access, Menopause Welfare leave, complimentary Y Theatre tickets and Blue Light discount card eligibility.

Why this role exists

At YMCA Leicestershire, we believe that having a safe place to live can change a life, but only when its paired with kindness, trust and the right support.

Many of the young people we work with have experienced homelessness, instability, trauma or displacement. Some are finding independence for the first time, others are re-building their confidence and sense of security.

The Housing Officer role exists to ensure young people are never doing that alone.

As a Housing Officer at YMCA Leicestershire, you’ll play a vital part in creating homes that feel safe, respectful and empowering, while helping young people move forward at their own pace.

About the Housing Officer role

As a Housing Officer, you’ll support young people living in our Move-On and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) accommodation. The Housing Officer role combines practical housing management with relationship-based support.  

This isn’t about fixing people. It’s about noticing strengths, building confidence and offering steady, practical support when it matters most.

Key duties of the Housing Officer role

You’ll focus on the core responsibilities below (full details are available in the job description)

• Supporting young people to settle into their homes
• Providing structured housing-related support (including more intensive support within the UASC provision)
• Managing housing responsibilities such as rent, behaviour, property standards and safeguarding
• Supporting access to education, training, employment and wider services
• Building trusting relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries
•  closely with colleagues and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes

You will be part of a supportive Housing Officer team where reflection, supervision and wellbeing are built into how we work, not as an afterthought.

An enhanced DBS check is required as part of our safer recruitment process.

About you

You don’t need to have all the answers, but you do need to care.

You’ll be a Housing Officer who:

• Treats people with dignity and respect
• Understands that behaviour often comes from experience
• Can be warm and human while holding clear professional boundaries
• Stays calm when things feel difficult

You may already be working as Housing Officer, Support Worker, Youth Worker or in a people-focused role, or you may be ready to take the next step into a Housing Officer position.  

You’ll bring:

• Experience supporting young people or adults in a people focussed role
• A Level 3 qualification in Housing, Youth & Community, Social Work, Coaching or a related field (or a willingness to work towards this)
• Confidence working alongside other professionals and agencies
• Emotional resilience, flexibility and good judgement
• A full driving licence, access to a vehicle and business insurance

Why work for YMCA Leicestershire as a Housing Officer?

Because people matter here, including the people who work here.

We are a values-led charity supporting young people aged 16-25 through housing, care, wellbeing, sport and culture (including the Y Theatre, Leicester’s oldest theatre).

People chose to work here because:

• You are trusted to do meaningful work,
•  Kindness and professionalism go hand in hand,
• Your development and wellbeing are genuinely supported,
• You can see the difference you make every single day.

Our vision is simple: every young person deserves a safe place to call home and the support to create lasting change.

Safeguarding

YMCA Leicestershire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. All staff are expected to act in line with our safeguarding policies and procedures.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We want our workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from people of all backgrounds and identities, and we’re especially keen to hear from those under-represented in the charity and housing sectors. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, just tell us, we will do our best to support you.

GDPR

Applicants’ personal data will be handled in accordance with YMCA Leicestershire’s Data Protection and Privacy Policy.

Role Identifiers

#HousingOfficer #HousingSupport #YouthHousing #SupportedHousing #CharityJobs #ValuesLedWork #HousingCareers #YMCAjobs

You will lead, with support, on the development and delivery of an exciting new Women at Risk (WaR) project seeking to support women at risk of rough sleeping, homelessness and exploitation. Working across key areas of Enfield and Haringey you will, through a combination of nighttime outreach and daytime service development, support a coordinated response across multiple agencies already engaged in this work.

You will coordinate and lead a minimum twice weekly nighttime outreach, support additional services and existing outreach provision and develop a daytime offer that meets the needs of women engaged through outreach and identified as at high risk of harm and homelessness.   

You will have management responsibility of a small staff team, take overall lead on case management, coordinate outreach and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to support women to access and engage with a range of services to meet their needs through effective and professional communication.

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a passionate, high performing team and develop a service which is meeting identified gaps in local provision.

The Ecological Land Cooperative is seeking a strategic and values-driven Finance Coordinator to help secure the long-term financial resilience of a pioneering land justice organisation.

We widen affordable access to land for ecological farming and currently steward seven farm sites supporting 18 small farm businesses.

This senior operational role combines hands-on financial management with strategic oversight.

You will:

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling
• Prepare management and annual accounts
• Oversee compliance and financial reporting
• Support Board decision-making and governance
• Contribute to funder and investor reporting

We’re looking for strong financial experience, strategic thinking, and alignment with cooperative and ecological values.

Permanent | 2.5 days per week (flexible) | Flat pay structure | 4% matched pension

If you meet most of the criteria, we encourage you to apply.

https://ecologicalland.coop/home/work-with-us/

Please apply by: 9am Monday 9th March

Interviews: Monday 16th March

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) 

We use an anonymised shortlisting process and assess applications against a structured score sheet based on the criteria in the Job Description and Person Specification.

In your covering letter, please clearly demonstrate how your experience, skills, and knowledge meet the essential criteria, using the headings in the Person Specification as a guide. We recommend providing specific examples to show how you meet each area, rather than general statements. Applications are scored solely on the evidence provided, so please ensure you explicitly outline relevant experience, including transferable skills where appropriate.