External development manager jobs

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Complex needs Service in Croydon.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

Empower a caseload of service users to manage their health and wellbeing. As part of a team, you will support a ​staffing rota offering support to service users between the hours of 8am-10pm Mon-Sun each week. In ​collaboration with your team, you will actively monitor wellbeing, mental health, housing and living environment ​to ensure service users journey into independence. Moreover, you will take a solution focused and co-produced approach to supporting service users with their move-on into independent living.​

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will have experience working with people with mental health and/or dual diagnosis needs, gained through paid or voluntary roles. You will be able to learn quickly, gather and assess information, and make sound decisions while accurately recording and sharing information in line with confidentiality requirements. You will be confident supporting individuals who may display challenging behaviour, using a calm, non-judgemental and solution-focused approach to de-escalate difficult situations and work collaboratively towards positive outcomes. The role requires resilience and optimism, with a strong belief in people's capacity for change, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and sometimes pressured environment. A sound understanding of safeguarding is essential, along with the ability to respond appropriately to concerns. You must also be flexible and willing to work unsociable hours, including early and late shifts and occasional weekends as part of a team rota.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking for their next role in fundraising at an exceptional moment for the Young Vic under the new artistic direction of Nadia Fall OBE as she launches her second season in Spring 2026, alongside the launch of a new website and a refreshed fundraising strategy.  

This role is pivotal in shaping the future of our supporter engagement and income growth. For the first time in a decade, you will lead the launch and delivery of a renewed membership scheme that ensures our membership offer is compelling, competitive, and aligned with our artistic vision. We are now looking for a proactive, proficient and dynamic fundraiser to drive membership growth. Increasing income will be central to your success, alongside providing the highest possible customer care, delivering exceptional stewardship and building meaningful relationships with our members and individual donors.

We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different experiences, skills and stories to join us and influence and develop our working practice. We are particularly keen to hear from Black and Global Majority people, and candidates who self-identify as disabled. All candidates who self-identify as disabled who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria will be invited for interview. The Young Vic is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

To Apply, please see more details via the Young Vic Jobs Page on our website.

Context

Childhood First enables children and young people to recover from early life abuse and relational trauma, to enjoy life and to achieve their potential. We do this through the provision of specialist therapeutic residential care and treatment, together with family and network support. We are also a UKCP Training Organisational Member accredited with Middlesex University, providing in-house clinical training to its clinical staff.

Merrywood House, provides placements for up to 8 young people aged between 10 and 17 years old.

Purpose

The Statutory Compliance Administrator plays a key role in supporting statutory, safeguarding and regulatory processes within the home. The role provides administrative support to the Director, Assistant Director (Statutory Compliance) and senior team, ensuring statutory documentation, systems and records are accurate, up to date and inspection-ready.

The postholder contributes to preparation for Ofsted inspections and audits and supports continual quality improvement to maintain Ofsted Good or Outstanding standards.

What you will bring to the role

· Experience in an administrative role involving compliance, governance or regulated processes

· Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

· Confidence using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

· Ability to work with discretion in a confidential and sensitive environment

· A methodical, professional and calm approach, including under pressure

· Commitment to safeguarding and to the therapeutic aims of Childhood First

Task

· Providing administrative support for safeguarding and statutory compliance processes

· Maintaining accurate statutory documentation and records for children and staff

· Supporting preparation for Ofsted inspections, monitoring visits and audits

· Collecting, collating and maintaining statutory, governance and management data

· Assisting with the production of statutory and management reports

· Providing office, IT liaison and general administrative support to the senior management team

· Administering local finance processes, including petty cash and procurement

What we will do for you

· Personal and professional development and training

· 25 days annual leave plus public holidays

· Employee benefits package including life assurance

· Up to 6% employer pension contribution

· Relocation package and recruitment referral scheme

For further information, please see the Childhood First website.

To apply, please apply by submitting your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Closing date: Friday 6th February 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 9th February 2026

Childhood First is committed to safeguarding children. We follow safer recruitment guidelines and all appointments will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS and references. 

We are delighted to be working in partnership with World Vision UK. As a global Christian humanitarian charity, World Vision is dedicated to tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice, empowering children, families, and communities to thrive. Through advocacy, emergency relief, and long-term development, they bring hope and transformation where it’s needed most. At the heart of their mission is a deep commitment to demonstrating God’s unconditional love.

We are seeking a meticulous and strategic Prospect Researcher to play a vital role in supporting fundraising growth by identifying, validating and researching potential major donors, mid-level supporters, churches, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners. As part of the Fundraising and Marketing Directorate, you'll help unlock resources that transform lives and bring lasting change to vulnerable communities worldwide, contributing to World Vision's ambitious goal to impact 5.5 million lives and raise £100m in sustainable income by 2029.

In this important role, you'll proactively identify and qualify new major gift prospects using a range of internal and external sources, conducting detailed research to assess giving potential, affinity, and influence. Working closely with relationship managers across Major, Mid-Level, Trusts & Foundations, and Church teams, you'll ensure they have the insights and tools to prioritise prospects, build effective donor journeys, and steward relationships for maximum impact. You'll support systematic prospect management, provide concise, high-quality profiles and briefing notes to equip fundraisers ahead of meetings and events, and produce regular reports on the prospect pipeline and fundraising KPIs. You'll also contribute to horizon scanning, identifying new opportunities in the external landscape that align with World Vision's mission and fundraising strategy.

This is an excellent opportunity to use your research and analytical skills to directly support life-changing work with vulnerable children around the world.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in the field of prospect research of major donor prospects
• Strong understanding of GDPR and ethical considerations in data gathering and donor profiling
• Expertise using CRM platforms for prospect tracking and portfolio management
• Ability to interpret and validate data from multiple sources

Come and be part of a mission-focused organisation where your research expertise will directly contribute to bringing opportunity, dignity and lasting transformation to vulnerable children and communities across nearly 100 countries. By equipping fundraisers with high-quality research, you'll help unlock resources that transform lives and bring lasting change to those who need it most.

This role is subject to a Enhanced DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.

For more information, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

Location: Hybrid / Milton Keynes (2 days per week onsite)

Closing date for applications: Applications are being reviewed on receipt and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. When a suitable candidate is found the role will close, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Community Engagement Practitioner to play a pivotal role in our Integrated VCS Service in Haringey.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

We are looking for a committed and recovery‑driven Community Engagement Practitioner to join the Personality Disorders (PD) Pathway within the Complex Emotional Needs (CEN) Service. This specialist multidisciplinary team delivers psychological support to individuals with complex emotional and interpersonal needs.

In this role, you will support people to build meaningful, connected lives beyond formal services by strengthening community links, guiding recovery planning, and encouraging personal empowerment. The pathway draws on Structured Clinical Management (SCM), Mentalisation‑Based Therapy (MBT), and a range of other evidence‑based approaches to provide high‑quality, person‑centred care.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for:

The team will be seeking candidates who demonstrate a solid foundation in mental health care, ideally holding NVQ Level 4 or equivalent experience. They value individuals with a clear understanding of recovery principles, peer support, and the ability to work effectively with service users and external agencies. Familiarity with multidisciplinary team functions, care planning, risk assessment, and knowledge of the Mental Health Act and local resources will be essential. Strong communication and group facilitation skills, along with the ability to remain calm under pressure and act professionally, are highly regarded. Candidates should be able to build positive therapeutic relationships while maintaining boundaries, work independently as well as collaboratively, and provide practical support that adapts to changing needs. Competence in IT systems and record-keeping, particularly RIO, and the ability to serve as a positive, caring role model will round out the qualities the team is looking for.

When will I be working?

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.18pm. 

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Rethink have an exciting opportunity to work for us delivering the new Connect to Work Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme within County Durham. We are looking for an Employment Specialist to support individuals with health conditions, mental health difficulties, a disability or complex barriers to employment to gain, retain, or return to employment, following the IPS principles. You will also engage with and support local employers to enable work to be sustainable for individuals and by bridging workforce needs with local people. The roles will involve travelling around your allocated area to meet individuals in need of support offering a person centred approach and engaging with local employers who have workforce vacancies. You will work closely with and within healthcare settings and as part of a wider partnership of organisations to deliver the programme across the region.

Connect to Work is part of the National Get Britain Working strategy which is a new government funded programme. Within County Durham the initial programme is based upon the IPS model which looks to support people who would like to gain employment by delivering tailored support to move into the right job quickly and support to maintain employment.

The available role is a part time post (0.5 FTE – 17.5 hours per week) with days and times to be worked open to discussion and agreement with the successful candidate. This post is for a fixed term until 31st March 2028, with the possibility of an additional 2 year extension once funding is confirmed. There may also be the option to increase working hours as the programme progresses and referrals increase. A Driving licence and car are essential to carry out this role.

To Apply please fill out the application questions and upload your up to date CV detailing your knowledge, experience and reason for applying.

JOB PURPOSE

This role sits within The Passage Housing Needs Service (HNS) team. It will provide brief interventions to support individuals who have been placed into accommodation by the HNS team to settle into and sustain their tenancies. The post holder will work holistically to assist individuals to address issues that are impacting on their ability to sustain their accommodation on a time limited basis and will link them into services in their local areas for ongoing support in order for them to gain independence and integrate into their new communities.

MAIN TASKS

• To provide support to individuals who are moving into their new private rented sector accommodation where appropriate and needed. This can include setting up utilities, council tax among other things.
• To support individuals accommodated by the HNS team, in a brief solution focused manner, to find solutions to their housing, benefits, health and other issues when they arise, referring clients to support services, liaising with these, and following up in a timely manner.
• To establish and develop positive and constructive working relationships with a range of services and agencies across London boroughs that can provide support to our clients ensuring the best possible outcomes for them.
• To draw up psychologically informed action plans for clients ensuring they are person centered and taking into consideration the clients’ views.
• Support HNS Workers to complete exit questionnaires to gather feedback and promote co production with the individuals the team supports.
• To ensure that any health and safety and safeguarding concerns are reported appropriately using the correct systems.
• To assess any risk to clients, the environment and staff, record and communicate any risks identified using appropriate channels in the Passage.
• To ensure accurate and timely record keeping using the Inform database as well as client files and ensure all record keeping and information sharing is kept securely in line with Data protection.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• In conjunction with your Line Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage.
• To participate in internal/external meetings as required, including Reflective Practice, and attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary.
• Support The Passage Resource Centre operations by undertaking shifts as required.
• To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal, and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs.
• To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to.
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults.
• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage1. 
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role.

EXPERIENCE 

E1 Experience of providing tenancy support to vulnerable individuals.

E2 Experience of working with and advocating for vulnerable people who present with complex support needs in a person centered and psychologically informed manner.

E3 Experience of working collaboratively with voluntary and statutory agencies to deliver a service.

E4 Experience of establishing relationships and working with a wide range of stakeholders and liaising with support agencies.

E5 Experience of obtaining grants, local support payments and benefit payments

E6 Experience of record keeping using databases 

E7 Experience of managing conflicting priorities 

KNOWLEDGE

K1  Knowledge of how to work with clients within a psychologically informed framework

K2 Knowledge of the issues which contribute to homelessness and challenges with maintaining a tenancy

K3 Knowledge of risk and incident management in a psychologically informed manner

K4 Knowledge of welfare rights and how they impact on our client group

K5 Knowledge of resources, and other services supporting vulnerable people, and how to access them to obtain a positive outcome for our clients 

Seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, dedicated yet compassionate leader to drive the charity forward with a fresh strategy, new ideas and a bold vision. As CEO you will provide visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, ensuring we fulfil our mission and grow sustainably. You will act as a key ambassador, building partnerships and maintaining our reputation for excellence ensuring we move forward with impact sharing the strength and passion that we have continued to experience for almost 70 years.

Key Responsibilities (see breakdown within attached job specification)

• Strategic leadership
• Operational Management
• External Engagement
• Governance and Board Relations
• Team Leadership
   

What we do
IA offers peer-to-peer support to those with, or about to have, either an ileostomy or an internal pouch. We also help fund research into bowel disease and other conditions leading to the removal of the colon, as well as providing relevant information to interested parties using a range of channels.

Our strapline, “Because we know, we care”, sums up our whole ethos. Individuals can join either their local IA member organisation, or the IA national charity, and in either case, gain access to a range of services and support, including our flagship quarterly Journal, local and national meetings and information events, and other services such as our One2One peer support and Support Through Therapy services.

What you offer

Essential
• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally as a CEO or Director in the charity or social enterprise sector
• Demonstrable experience of strategic planning and implementation
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, professionals and volunteers both internally and publicly
• Work empathetically with vulnerable adults employing working knowledge of safeguarding
• Financial management and budget oversight
• Demonstrable experience of implementing and monitoring services based on financial benefit and social benefit
• Track record of income generation and fundraising
• Demonstrable experience of operating within a governance and regulatory framework
• Experience of developing, managing and supporting high performing teams with a strong growth mindset
• Builds effective relationships with a strong network instilling confidence and trust
• Experience of leading a team delivering effectively against objectives

Skills and Qualities
• Visionary and values-led leadership
• Ethical decision-maker
• Strong, confident and decisive performing well under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Resilience, adaptability, empathy and emotional intelligence
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

What we offer
Contract: Part time 60% FTE – flexible over 3-5 days, permanent role.
Location: Remote (with regular travel to National Office (Rochford, Essex) and other UK locations, as required)
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 equivalent FT (pro-rata 60%), commensurate with experience plus benefits

Please see further information about us, what you will offer and who we are looking for within the attached role profile.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employment Services Service in Haringey.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

We're looking for a motivated, people-focused Employment Specialist to join our IPS team and help transform the lives of people with mental health needs. You'll manage a caseload of up to twenty clients, supporting them to find, secure and sustain meaningful employment in line with the eight IPS principles.

You'll work closely with clinical teams, attend multi-disciplinary meetings, and build strong relationships with employers to create real job opportunities. From CV support and interview coaching to in-work retention, you'll provide tailored, person-centred guidance every step of the way.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will bring proven experience of managing a caseload of up to 20 clients, applying the 8 principles of IPS to support individuals to secure and sustain employment through both job search activity and proactive employer engagement. You will work collaboratively with clinical teams, external agencies and employers, contributing to a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates employment and mental health support. You will have strong job-sourcing skills, building and maintaining relationships with local employers and wider Pan-London networks to create sustainable opportunities for clients. Highly organised and administratively strong, you will confidently manage documentation, track KPIs and meet performance targets in line with NHS and Hestia protocols. You will take a client-centred approach, providing ongoing support to both clients and employers, including during job starts and long-term sustainment, while offering clear guidance on the impact of work on benefits. You will be self-motivated, adaptable and committed to professional development, able to manage your time effectively across community and clinical settings, maintain professional boundaries, and engage fully in ongoing IPS training and support.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

People & Systems Lead

12-month FTC | Full time, hybrid (2 days per week in the office) | Flexible working

A growing not-for-profit are seeking an experienced People & Systems Lead to join its People function in a newly created role, supporting both HR operations and HR systems during a particularly busy period of change and delivery.

This is a hands-on, fast-paced role suited to a strong HR generalist with excellent systems capability, who enjoys improving efficiency, working with data, and supporting a collaborative People team.

The role

Reporting into the People Business Partner, you will play a central role in delivering efficient, responsive and technology-enabled people operations. You will work closely with a wider People team, supporting systems, data, recruitment, payroll coordination and organisational change activity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Day-to-day ownership and optimisation of the HRIS (Personio or similar systems such as Bamboo), including configuration, workflows, reporting and data integrity
• Driving efficiencies across people systems and processes through automation, digitisation and AI
• Producing and maintaining people data packs, reports and dashboards, including responding to last-minute data requests using established templates
• Supporting the collection, analysis and reporting of EDI data
• End-to-end recruitment administration support, including onboarding and pre-employment checks
• Payroll support through accurate HRIS updates and liaison with an external payroll provider
• Managing employee lifecycle processes, including offboarding
• Supporting performance and reward cycles
• Providing high-quality operational support via a shared HR inbox
• Supporting people communications, engagement activities and workplace operations
• Contributing to organisational change activity, including restructures and contractual changes
• Providing basic employee relations support when required

About you:

You will be a confident, adaptable HR professional who can work at pace, respond positively to change and collaborate effectively within a team.

• Strong all-round HR generalist experience within a people operations or HR systems-focused role
• Proven experience managing HRIS platforms and people data
• Payroll administration experience (liaising with external providers)
• Experience supporting recruitment processes and organisational change
• Strong analytical and Excel skills
• Ability to work quickly and accurately, even with shifting priorities
• A positive, proactive and solution-focused mindset
• CIPD membership or equivalent experience

Benefits include (but not limited to):

• Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)
• Flexible working hours within a 35-hour working week
• 28 days annual leave plus public holidays (additional Christmas closure (3 days))
• Opportunity to shape and embed efficient people systems in a newly created role

My client is looking to fill this position quickly, and applicants are under constant review, so apply now to be considered. For confidential discussions regarding your search and this role, reach out to Annabelle at MLC Partners.

Introduction

East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) working with Mind CHWF and other voluntary sector partners is delighted to offer a secondment as a community connector to support the mental well-being of people with complex mental health and social needs in the Neighbourhoods in City & Hackney.

This is a new role and we are looking to work with individuals from the voluntary sector to help us co-design and test out the role.  You will help to shape the role, working closely with people in Neighbourhoods to reflect their strengths, interests and ideas for what matters to them about good mental well-being.

You will be a welcome member of the multi-disciplinary (MDT) mental health team, with day-to-day managerial and professional supervision provided within the team. You will also be able to access training and other staff support within ELFT during this time.

Background

In the autumn of 2019 ELFT was successful in securing funding from NHS England (NHSE) for community mental health transformation. It is one of 12 national pilot sites. City and Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets are all part of the ELFT pilot. The aim of the transformation is to develop a model of support for people with serious mental illness (SMI) that recognises complexity and social determinants over and above diagnosis, and supports them through a blended team of voluntary sector, mental health and primary care staff to connect better into a range of activities in their neighbourhoods. The new teams are organised around City & Hackney Primary care networks (PCNs) / Neighbourhoods, and will provide wraparound support for people with varying levels of need. These teams will develop a rich understanding of population mental health need, and work with individuals, families, and communities to develop capacity for self-management, and provide local treatment and support for individuals when they need it.

The teams include the new community connector role. This will be someone from the voluntary sector, well connected in the neighbourhoods and bringing expertise in wider social support and well-being. We are working with voluntary sector partners to design and test this role.

Responding to Covid 19

Since the Covid 19 emergency began in mid-March much of the transformation programme has had to be adapted. ELFT is keen that where the transformation can support the Covid 19 response it should continue. In particular the role of the community connector could be valuable during the Covid 19 emergency and recovery.

The role obviously needs to be different and we will work closely with the connectors and the voluntary sector to design and test out the role. The description here is intended as a starter for ten to give some idea about the shape the role might take.

During the Covid pandemic, the community connectors will be part of the ELFT community MDT team, making links to specific Neighbourhoods. Also the face to face work in terms of assessments, interventions, group work, partnership working may need to be carried out differently. The role will now include:

· providing support to service users by phone/virtually

· connecting service users to the fast developing range of Covid 19 resources in each neighbourhood and keeping the mental health and primary care teams up to date about these resources and how to refer people to the/access them. Including supporting the new Neighbourhood MDTs as these develop.

· developing a good knowledge of all the online resources in each neighbourhood and connecting service users and staff to these

· we will keep the option for face to face work and group work under review, depending on the government guidance on social distancing. As lockdowns are lifted there may be some possibility to offer this type of support

The following five design principles have guided our model development to date:

1. Service users and citizens will be active, equal partners: leading the design, implementation, governance, and delivery of our new mode

2. We will integrate mental and physical health, wellbeing and social care: our services will feel fully integrated to service users and carers

3. The right support in the right place and the right time: services will be delivered in the PCN footprint, and service users will not be “bounced around” services

4. A focus on what matters to service users: care planning will look beyond health goals to life goals and wider determinants of health; and we will work to connect people to each other and their communities

5. Evidence-based interventions: Service users will be confident that our services provide the latest evidence-based care, treatment and support.

The role

The Community Connectors will support individuals to connect within neighbourhoods, and use local assets to self-organise.

Who you will support

The post-holder will work closely with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and/or personality disorders (PD), developing an understanding of complexity in order to provide the most appropriate support. Some of the service users you will work with will have been supported by community mental health recovery teams, seen in outpatients and are not care co-ordinated, so could be better supported by their local neighbourhood team. Other service users will be on primary care SMI registers and likely to benefit from additional support, but do not meet the thresholds for traditional secondary care. Other people might not be known to our services currently, and could benefit from the more personalised, local, holistic offer you will be developing.

Your approach

The ethos of this work will be recovery focused, move away from a traditional referral model, blur the boundaries between primary and secondary care, explore needs through complexity (rather than diagnosis), focus on a person’s strengths and assets, and focus on the wider determinants of health and wellbeing. This approach is as important as your experience and expertise. You will develop a strengths based biopsychosocial assessment, and supportive approach, and work with colleagues and local people to develop the MDT approach in its infancy. 

Although not exhaustive, below is a list of the skills and responsibilities that may be required:

Individual Support

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills. It is important that you listen to service users and carers to find out what is important to them, and that you build open, supportive and trusting relationships (working with the challenges of not meeting face-to-face, at least initially, due to the current Covid-19 public health crisis. We will keep the option for face to face work and group work under review, depending on the government guidance on social distancing. As lockdowns are lifted there may be some possibility to offer this type of support.)

· A strong sense of what factors influence health and wellbeing.

· The ability to assist service users in setting goals and making changes that are meaningful to them.

· You will conduct regular innovative and engaging sessions (currently with individuals, over the phone) in order to work towards support plan goals.

· You will ensure ongoing assessment and management of risks within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'.

· You will give people time to tell their stories and focus on ‘what matters to me’, build trust, providing non-judgemental support, respecting diversity and lifestyle choices.

· You will use health coaching and motivational interviewing techniques, identify barriers to people accessing services, and work with service users to overcome these. You will support people to identify the wider issues that impact on their health and wellbeing, such as debt, poor housing, employment circumstances and unemployment, loneliness, isolation and caring responsibilities.

· Where people may be eligible for a personal health budget, help them to explore this option as a way of providing funded, personalised support to be independent, including helping people to gain skills for meaningful employment, where appropriate.

Community Development

· You will act as the ‘glue’, linking people in with experts and local assets, and undertaking support work in partnership with external stakeholders to complement their interventions.

· You will stay up to date with the constantly developing environment, local offer, and national policies, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Significant experience in local statutory and/or voluntary sector services.

· You will have a deep knowledge of City & Hackney (or a specific local area or demographic), what is available locally and how to signpost and support people (network creation, mapping).

· You will develop productive relationships with local partner organisations to improve service outcomes, and involve service users and carers in the design, development and delivery of the service.

· You will need to triage referrals and signpost to specialist support quickly where necessary, and deal with general queries to contribute to the overall smooth running of the neighbourhood team.

· Where appropriate, introduce people to community groups, activities and statutory services, ensuring they are comfortable.  Follow up to ensure they are happy, able to engage, included and receiving good support.

· Where appropriate you will connect people to each other through shared common interests and the need for mutual support.

· You will have the ability and drive to build networks with local community resources such as activities and services that may have an impact on health and wellbeing, and support individuals to access these. To be proactive in encouraging self-referrals, and connecting with all local communities.

· You will work in partnership with existing community navigation roles in City & Hackney.

Project Management

· You will monitor and record outcomes of all those accessing the service through the use of recognised assessment tools and outcome measures. With the wider team, you will gather and collate statistical and other information and data as required, reporting on activity and outcomes and ensuring effective qualitative and quantitative monitoring and evaluation of the services.

· You will help to develop and adapt this role as the societal circumstances we are operating under change (as the Covid-19 public health situation develops and/or social distancing is relaxed).

General

· You will reflect on practice and participate in team meetings, practice development forums and peer supervision. You will identify own training and development needs in conjunction with your Line Manager and participate in training opportunities.

· You will develop an awareness of local and national developments and best practice in this area of work and to attend relevant conferences, meetings and training events as required.

· You will adhere to organisational policies and procedures relating to risk and personal safety. You will refer all safeguarding issues in line with local policy.

· You will manage volunteers and other team members as required.

· You will identify issues relating to systemic challenges and disconnects, and report these to the Programme Manager, developing an eye for service improvement opportunities.

Person Specification

As a community connector, you will become a local expert, gathering and sharing information about local opportunities, activities, and support, bringing people together and supporting them to remain confident and independent in their everyday lives.

We are looking for community connectors with experience supporting with people with their mental health, with significant experience in statutory and/or voluntary sector services, knowledge of City & Hackney (or a specific local area or demographic), and strong interpersonal skills.

Skills and experience:

Person Centred

- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others.

- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour. Is approachable and open-minded.

- Prefers working as part of a group or team.

- Has a practical and logical mind.

- Well organised and knows how to prioritise tasks. Able to plan own workload.

- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.

- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication.

- Ability to listen, empathise with people and provide person-centred support in a non-judgmental.

- Able to support people in a way that inspires trust and confidence, motivating others to reach their potential.

- Experience of supporting people, families and care in a related role (including unpaid work).

- Experience of supporting people with their mental health, either in a paid, unpaid or informal capacity.

Community Development

- Commitment to reducing health inequalities and proactively working to reach people from all communities.

- Able to work from an asset-based approach, building on existing community and personal assets.

- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people, their families, carers, community groups, partner agencies and stakeholders.

- Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals.

- Able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity.

- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude.

- Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour.

- Demonstrates a desire for continuous professional development.

- Experience of working directly in a community development context, adult health and social care, learning support or public health/health improvement (including unpaid work).

- Experience of partnership/collaborative working and of building relationships across a variety of organisations.

Knowledge:

- Understanding of the wider determinants of health, including social, economic and environmental factors and their impact on communities and how adverse circumstances and structural barriers can affect people's relationships

- An understanding of the experiences of people who live with significant mental distress.

- Knowledge of community development approaches.

- Knowledge of IT systems, including ability to use word processing skills, emails and the internet to create simple plans and reports.

- Knowledge of motivational coaching and interview skills.

- Knowledge of voluntary and community services in the local neighbourhood.

Essential:

- Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent by experience).

- NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent.

- Significant experience in statutory or voluntary sector services.

- IT literate.

Desirable:

- Mental Health First Aid or willingness to work towards the qualification.

- Training in motivational coaching and interviewing or equivalent experience.

- University degree and/or professional qualification.

- Experience of delivering peer support groups.

Community Project Lead 

• Two-year fixed term, full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (minimum 21 hours per week considered), £28,000 – £32,000 per annum depending on experience (pro rata if part-time)  
• Remote or office-based. Occasional visits to IPSEA’s office in Takeley or a London venue required. This role will also include frequent travel to meet with community partners. 

Do you have experience working with under-served communities and leading impactful outreach projects? Are you passionate about improving access to support for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?

IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Community Project Lead to join our team and lead the development of our advice services for under-served communities. This two-year, fixed-term role is a key part of our strategy to reach groups who may not traditionally engage with IPSEA’s support - including children and families with English as an additional language, cared-for children (children in care), migrant children, detained children, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The project builds on a detailed scoping exercise we’ve recently completed, which involved working closely with a wide range of charities and organisations that support these communities. The resulting report outlines the barriers they face, and will form the foundation for this project and directly inform the work you will lead.

What you’ll do 

• Design and develop pilot advice services that are tailored to the needs of under-served communities, using findings from IPSEA’s research 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, charities and service providers to co-produce accessible services 

• Collaborate with IPSEA’s advice, legal and policy teams to address the barriers these communities face in accessing SEND legal advice 

• Contribute to and share outreach materials, training resources and toolkits to support families of under-served communities and empower local advocates 

• Plan and lead workshops, focus groups and community events to raise awareness, gather feedback and enhance service delivery 

• Monitor and report on project outcomes and impact, providing regular updates to IPSEA staff and stakeholders 

You can work remotely or from IPSEA’s office in Takeley, with frequent travel required for essential meetings and community engagement.

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting, and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND, and would like to use your skills to improve access to vital advice and support, we would love to hear from you.

To apply

Please visit our website to download the recruitment pack and application form, and apply

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 9 February 2026 

First-round interviews: Wednesday 18 February 2026 (London) 

The Advocacy Team Leader is a key operational leadership role responsible for the day-to-day delivery, coordination, and quality assurance of Respond’s specialist ISVA and advocacy services for autistic people and people with learning disabilities affected by sexual violence, trauma, or abuse. 

This role combines operational leadership, case allocation and triage, supervision and quality oversight, alongside holding a small caseload of complex cases. You will help ensure high-quality, trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming advocacy in line with ISVA national minimum standards, safeguarding requirements and contract outcomes. 

The Team Leader plays a central role in embedding trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming practice, supporting safe and reflective decision-making, and representing Respond in key operational and steering forums and working groups. And plays a vital role in building a culture of safe, accountable, and reflective practice and in ensuring advocacy services are delivered with care, consistency, and impact.

An accredited ISVA qualification is essential. 

This advert closes at midnight Thursday 18th February 2026 and interviews will be held Tuesday 24th February 2026.

The Methodist Church is committed to ensuring its churches are safe spaces for all. We work hard to ensure compliance with legal requirements, develop good practice, provide effective training and give professional advice on individual cases. We have an exciting opportunity to join our new safeguarding regional team operating in the northwest region and take this forward supporting Methodist churches and work.

Hours of work: 21 per week

About you

The post holder will join a team of safeguarding officers who will carry specific responsibility for individual cases, undertake risk assessments, lead training and advise churches. The post will be aligned to the Cumbria Methodist District requiring regular travel within this District area, and to provide support to colleagues across the regional area of the North West, which may involve occasional travel. The successful candidate will hold a relevant professional qualification and relevant experience and expertise in child and/or adult protection.

Our Culture, Values and Benefits:

Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing.

We value and support all those who join our team through a positive work-life balance augmented by generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year), TOIL, flexi-leave and an on-site Wellbeing Adviser service. We offer a generous occupational pension scheme with pensions matched up to 8%.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. We welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups. We are a Disability Confident Committed employer, and welcome applications from disabled people. 

If you have questions about the vacancy or require reasonable adjustments to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact HR Team.

Closing date: 6th February 2026

Shortlisting date: W/C 11th February 2026

Interview (in person): 23rd February 2026

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.