Family therapist jobs

Be Part of Meaningful Change

Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a new CEO, refreshed Senior Leadership Team, and an ambitious vision for the future, we are laying the foundations for a bold new organisational strategy.
 

We are now seeking an Deputy CYP Lead to join our CYP Team at this pivotal time on a permanent basis.

As a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, prevention education, and professional training. With an annual income of approximately £4 million, we are growing and strengthening our infrastructure to better serve survivors and communities.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and committed Deputy Children and Young People (CYP) Lead to support the development and delivery of our therapeutic services at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.
 

Reporting to the CYP Clinical Lead, the successful candidate will play a key role in providing day-to-day leadership and guidance to CYP counsellors and therapists. You will help ensure that services for children and young people are consistently safe, effective, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred.
 

This is a varied and impactful role that combines clinical leadership, safeguarding oversight, service development, and line management. It offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to shaping, strengthening, and expanding high-quality CYP services.
 

What You’ll Do

• Support the CYP Clinical Lead with assessments, allocations and case distribution across CYP pathways
• Provide clinical guidance and day-to-day support to CYP counsellors and therapists
• Line manage allocated CYP staff and contribute to recruitment, induction and staff development
• Oversee group work programmes, including family support groups
• Undertake the role of Designated Safeguarding Officer for the CYP team
• Deputise as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead as part of the rota when required
• Provide guidance on complex safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate escalation
• Contribute to service improvement, contract delivery and performance monitoring
• Build and maintain effective relationships with external agencies and partners
• Deputise for the CYP Clinical Lead where required

About You

• Degree-level qualification in counselling or psychotherapy (or equivalent experience)
  Professional membership with an accredited counselling/psychotherapy body
  Minimum of 200 hours post-qualification supervised client work
  At least 3 years’ experience working with children and young people affected by rape and sexual violence
  Experience leading or supporting a team
  Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation (children and adults)
  Completed Level 3 safeguarding training
  Experience in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector
  Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centred and feminist practice
  Experience working with diverse communities
  Ability to use data and outcomes to support service improvement
• Experience working with marginalised or under-served communities
  Knowledge of housing, welfare benefits or related legislationn

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Take the next step in your leadership journey
• Gain experience of safeguarding, clinical leadership and service development
• Support and develop a dedicated team of CYP practitioners
• Contribute to the future direction of CYP therapeutic services at RCSL
• Be part of a dynamic, creative and values-led organisation

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors and service users. The post holder will contribute to maintaining the organisation’s safeguarding standards.

This includes:

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk
• Identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns
• Following organisational safeguarding policies and procedures
• Supporting a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported

Our safer recruitment processes include:

• Values-based interviews
• Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history
• Reference checks
• Enhanced DBS checks where required
• Safeguarding training and supervision
• Equality, Feminist Commitment and Values

Rape Crisis South London is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from women who are under-represented in leadership roles within the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector.
 

Our work is grounded in feminist principles, recognising sexual violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We centre survivor voices and prioritise empowerment, inclusivity and intersectionality.
 

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments

We recognise that experiences of sexual violence are shaped by intersecting factors such as:

• Race and ethnicity
• Disability
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Socioeconomic background
• Immigration status
• Faith and culture
   

We are committed to removing barriers and creating an inclusive workplace.
 

Applicants are encouraged to let us know if they require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, such as:

• Alternative interview formats or timings
• Additional time for written tasks
• Accessible documentation
• Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs
   

Learning and Development

As a charity undergoing transformation and growth, we welcome colleagues who are committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Interview Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, conducted via MS Teams.

Stage one: MS Teams with the Director of Programmes and two other panel members.

The whole process from advertisement to appointment, may take up to 3 -4 weeks.

The role will initially be open for two weeks (until 12:00 noon on Wednesday 16 April 2026). However, due to the urgent need for support, applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

The interview will explore experience and approach to:

• Safeguarding
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Wellbeing and feminist practice
• Trauma-informed therapeutic work
• Leadership responsibilities relevant to the role

This post is open to women only (Schedule 9, Paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010).
We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

How to apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to in PDF format to our recruitment inbox.

AI in Job Applications 
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences 

Family Counsellor

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Safe Ground Family Counsellor

Location: Based within HMP Forest Bank, Greater Manchester. You may be expected to travel to other services as required, including to Central London Central Office, HMP Altcourse and for in-person meetings held off site. Hybrid working is permitted with an option of up to 2 days working from home when appropriate. Step Free access is not available at this service.

Salary: £36,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 07:30 - 17:30. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service and organisational requirements, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays and forming part of the out of hours on call rota for managers. 

About the Role

We’re hiring a Safe Ground Family Counsellor to support men in custody at HMP Forest Bank, located in Manchester.

As a Family Counsellor, you will identify the needs of men and their families in custody , providing anti-punitive, anti-shame, tailored support to maintain and grow family ties for individuals whilst in custody . You will deliver person centred therapeutic support through group, one-to-one and triage sessions, helping participants improve relationships, develop emotional awareness, and build healthier communication. The role includes family counselling clinics, group programme support, and joint work with prison teams and external partners. You will work in a trauma-informed way to support rehabilitation and strengthen family connections. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Support men who may be facing challenges with family relationships, father-child contact, emotional regulation, trauma, communication difficulties and maintaining positive relationships during custody

• Deliver group and one-to-one counselling sessions, as well as facilitating family counselling clinics

• Support full time delivery of programmes such as Fathers Inside and Man Up, which have received national recognition and are delivered across custodial and community settings

• Create and maintain tailored support plans

• Work with prison teams and external partners to coordinate support
• Bespoke training and active learning will be provided

• Support participants to improve relationships and emotional regulation

• Monitor wellbeing and respond to safeguarding concerns

• Maintain accurate records on internal systems

• Lone working as part of a wider team

About You

We’re looking for a compassionate and motivated individual who understands the needs of men in custody, the importance of anti-shame and anti-punitive practice in these systems, and the importance of family relationships in supporting rehabilitation. You will be comfortable working in a custodial environment and able to build trust with individuals from a range of backgrounds. You will be proactive in managing your workload, able to adapt within a busy service, and confident working both independently and as part of a wider team, often challenging prison cultures. You will be keen to support men in custody to achieve their individual goals and support them to be the best versions of themselves.

• Experience supporting people with trauma, relationship challenges, or within the criminal justice system with BACP registration or equivalent professional accreditation

• Ability to engage with people from different backgrounds, build rapport and support them to achieve their personal goals

• Ability to show empathy and understanding of the challenges people face and adapt approaches to meet individual needs

• Confidence delivering both one-to-one and group-based support

• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of professionals and services, often challenging punitive approaches

• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs

• Ability and willingness to be flexible in working patterns to meet service needs

• Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

We are interviewing on an ongoing basis so this job role may close early. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages. As a note, Interviews are scheduled for commencing on the 20th of July and 2nd Stage interviews for the 2nd of August.

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Programmes Facilitator

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Safe Ground Families Manager

Location: Based within HMP Altcourse, Fazakerley, Liverpool. Step Free access is available at this service. You may be expected to travel to other services as required, including to Central London Central Office and for in-person meetings held off site. 

Salary: £38,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service and organisational requirements, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays and forming part of the out of hours on call rota for managers. 

About the Role

Are you ready to do things differently, and make it count?

Safe Ground isn’t a typical organisation, and this isn’t a typical management role. We work inside prisons, using creative, therapeutic approaches to strengthen relationships between men and their families. Our work is rooted in connection, reflection, and real change, often in environments that aren’t designed for either.

We’re looking for a Families Manager to lead our flagship service at HMP Altcourse. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is confident working in complex, fast-paced environments and motivated by the opportunity to create meaningful change within the prison system. You’ll lead a multidisciplinary team delivering arts-based group programmes, family counselling, and practical family support. You’ll shape how these different elements come together, holding the quality of the work, supporting your team, and making sure families are at the heart of what we do.

This role will suit someone who:

• Is comfortable rolling their sleeves up and leading from the front
• Can hold both the operational detail and the bigger picture
• Is energised by creative, relational work, even when the environment is challenging
• Believes that people can change, and that families matter

At Safe Ground, we create space for people in custody, their families and staff to think, reflect, and do things differently. If that resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Line Management throughout the employee lifecycle embedding a culture of learning, development, reflection, and evaluation.
• Creative leadership of creating and delivering engaging high-quality services and interventions which support rehabilitation, reintegration, and culture shifts in systems of power and compliance.
• Manage day-to-day operational delivery of programmes, the service, and visitors centre.
• Ensure core responsibilities and contractual requirements are fulfilled.
• Striving to ensure excellence and quality in our service delivery.

• Ensuring core responsibilities and contractual requirements are met; Striving for excellence and consistently high standards in service delivery.

• Managing Programme Coordinators, Facilitators, Family Counsellors and a Deputy Service Manager, empowering the team to support operational booking for all social visits and deliver nationally recognised programmes. 

• Leading the delivery of nationally recognised programmes including Fathers Inside and Man Up which have received national recognition being delivered nationally across custodial and community settings.

• Bringing strong leadership experience managing a diverse team, with line management responsibilities to support, enable, and empower your team to deliver high quality support to the participants of our programmes and their families
• Working closely with prison and Sodexo colleagues, alongside internal SIG teams, to ensure services are innovative, safe and compassionate.

Why work with Safe Ground Prisons?

At SIG Safe Ground, we do things differently. Safe Ground is an Arts-based therapeutically informed charity with over 30 years' experience working across the criminal justice system. We support people in custody and their families to build stronger and more fulfilled relationships, reflect on behaviours, and navigate change without shame. 

Working with Safe Ground means working differently. It’s about meeting people without judgement, holding space for accountability, and using creativity to disrupt cycles of harm. We believe real change happens when people are seen, challenged and supported, even (and especially) inside prison walls. Want to find out more? Follow this link! 

Please be informed that as this role is based within a Prison environment, therefore further vetting from SIG's enhanced DBS will be required such as MOJ clearance. 

About You

This role will suit you if you believe change happens through relationships, not control. You lead with warmth and clarity, and you’re able to hold care and accountability at the same time. You’re comfortable working in a prison environment and engaging with people from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. You will be knowledgeable of the criminal justice setting, and ideally have experience within a similar environment. We’re looking for a proactive, grounded leader who can support and stretch a team to do their best work. You’ll be confident managing a service day-to-day, navigating challenges as they arise, and keeping the quality of the work high.

• Previous experience experience of leading a team or service in a similar setting
• Be confident facilitating groups and/or delivering training (ideally within a creative or therapeutic context)
• Build great relationships quickly, creating trust with both staff and participants
• Support, motivate and develop staff through clear, consistent line management
• Balance people focused leadership with delivering against KPIs and service requirements
• Promote the service externally and build positive relationships with partner organisations
• Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, including occasional on-call responsibilities
• IT proficiency - we use various systems so look for someone who can learn and navigate new systems including case management, Microsoft, ATS, HR systems, and other types of organisational software.
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Link Adoption & Family Support Service provides therapeutic support services for children, young people, and families across the UK. Much of our work is focused within adoption services, supporting adoptive families, children, and young people who have been adopted. We also provide therapeutic services to Special Guardians, kinship carers, and foster carers.

More recently, we have expanded our provision to support wider communities through partnerships with Barnardo's projects, health authorities, and voluntary sector organisations. Services are delivered both face-to-face and virtually across the UK.

We are seeking a highly motivated and organised individual to join our team as a Therapy Co-ordinator. This is an exciting opportunity to support the continued development and delivery of health service projects within a growing organisation.

The successful candidate will be able to:

• Manage a large and varied caseload of therapeutic cases across multiple projects and commissioners, demonstrating flexibility, organisation, and resourcefulness
• Work effectively within a client-facing role, ensuring children, young people, and families remain at the centre of service delivery
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with therapists, commissioners, and partner agencies to support effective service coordination and delivery
• Demonstrate strong organisational and administrative skills, including excellent computer literacy, accurate data input, case recording, report preparation, and the maintenance of confidential records in line with organisational and contractual requirements
• Ensure timely and accurate recording of information for monitoring, reporting, and contractual performance purposes
• Assist in the development of new services and opportunities to support the ongoing growth and expansion of therapeutic provision across the organisation

This is a hybrid-based role, working from home with occasional travel for training or meetings,  and the successful candidate will become an integral member of our multi-disciplinary team delivering therapeutic services to families and young people.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about:

• Improving outcomes for children, young people, and families
• Delivering high-quality, responsive, and well-coordinated therapeutic services

Additional Information

You must demonstrate within your application how you currently use, or have previously used, the skills outlined above and within the Job Description and Person Specification. This may be through employment or other relevant experience. Applications should demonstrate an understanding of the context and demands of the service described.

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

Location: Putney, SW London with travel to various services across London

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £32,800 per annum

Specific Hours: Part time / 30 hours per week / Monday-Friday / Flexible working hours

About This Role

This is an exciting new opportunity to be part of a project within our Wraparound Service in the UK. As Psychological Therapist, key aspects of your role will be:

• Facilitation of Reflective Practice for residential staff to help support therapeutically informed practice, staff resilience and emotional wellbeing.
• Direct support to Children in Care and Care Leavers to improve their emotional health and well-being, and to provide any additional support identified as needed by statutory services to those with mental health needs.
• Working with children, residential carers and social workers where care arrangements are at risk of breaking down.
• Consultative support and training to foster carers and residential staff where there are children in placement who have complex needs.
• Support the development of the UK Therapeutic Service to help meet the needs of staff and young people across the organisation.

The successful candidate will have:

• Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Psychotherapy)
• A minimum of three years working directly with children, young people and families
• Experience of dealing with crisis situations and working with emergency services
• A minimum of one years’ experience of delivering therapeutic interventions
• Previous experience of delivering therapeutic interventions to children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties
• Experience of working in a multi-agency setting
• Knowledge of UK Legislative framework
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge/Experience of Care Planning and Care Management
• Ability to manage caseload and to work on own initiative
• Responsive to deadlines
• Excellent IT, report writing and presentation skills
• Ability and willingness to work outside of normal office hours as required

In return we offer:

• Competitive salary.
• A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
• Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.
• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.
• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
• Discretionary funded training programs.
• Employee awards based on performance and length of service.
• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.

Recruitment Process

St Christopher’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in our care and is dedicated to the principles of Safer Recruitment.

As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to complete an online application form. This enables us to collect the information necessary to meet legislative requirements, safer recruitment standards, and vetting procedures, ensuring your suitability to work with children and young people.

Applicants are encouraged to subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Where an applicant is not registered with the service, St Christopher’s will carry out an Enhanced DBS check prior to employment commencing.

Your application must include a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria outlined in the Person Specification.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.

It is against the law to apply for work with Children/Young People if you are barred from working in Regulated Activity and if your name is added to a Children Barred List.

All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.

The Specialist Practitioner role sits under the direction of the Clinical Manager and within the Therapy Team. The role is multifaceted which includes professional liaison, other types of support and direct client work through therapy and Initial Meetings. This role has been developing since 2023 to meet the needs of the service and the children and families that TGH supports. 2026 will see further change to this role as TGH aims to support children and young people within a new pathway. The post holder must be self-governing as lone working may be required within sites across BNSSG and BANES, which upholds TGHs mission to more accessible to families, meeting them where they live.

Are you an HCPC Registered Arts Therapist passionate about improving mental health outcomes for young people?

We’re looking for an HCPC Registered Arts Therapist to lead an innovative early intervention programme supporting young people aged 14–25 experiencing emerging psychosis, psychosis-like symptoms or severe emotional distress.

This is an opportunity to help create a meaningful community-based alternative to crisis and hospital admission, working with young people who may face barriers to engaging with traditional mental health services.

About Us

Total Insight Theatre is an award-winning community organisation with extensive experience delivering culturally responsive mental health, wellbeing and creative health programmes for children, young people and families across East London. We work alongside communities, schools, health services and voluntary sector partners to improve wellbeing, reduce inequalities and increase access to support.

About the Programme

This innovative early intervention programme supports young people aged 14–25 experiencing emerging psychosis, psychosis-like symptoms or severe emotional distress.

The programme aims to provide accessible, community-based therapeutic support for young people who may face barriers to engaging with traditional mental health services and who could benefit from early intervention before difficulties escalate.

As the programme’s lead therapist, you will deliver individual and group arts therapy interventions, undertake assessments and therapeutic planning, and help shape a creative, community-based approach to supporting young people experiencing emotional distress.

The programme combines:

• Individual therapeutic support
• Arts-based therapeutic interventions
• Small group delivery
• Community-based support pathways
• Ongoing wellbeing and engagement opportunities

The overall aim is to improve wellbeing, strengthen coping strategies, increase engagement with support and reduce escalation into crisis services.

Contract Information

• Freelance Fixed-Term Contract
• £300 per day
• 65 contracted days (£19,500 contract value).
• August 2026 – March 2027
• Enhanced DBS required.
• Therapists will be responsible for arranging and funding their own professional clinical supervision in accordance with HCPC and professional body requirements.

To Apply

Please submit via CharityJob:

• A current CV.
• A covering statement (maximum two pages) outlining your suitability for the role and relevant experience.

For full details of the role, responsibilities and person specification, please refer to the attached Job Description.

We particularly welcome applications from therapists with experience supporting Black, Asian and ethnically diverse young people, families and communities.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified before the advertised closing date.

Anna Freud is seeking a Deputy Programme Director to join our world-leading mental health charity for children, young people and their families. Our mission is to close the gap in wellbeing and mental health by advancing, translating, delivering, and sharing the best science and practice with everyone who impacts the lives of children, young people and their families. More information about Anna Freud is available on our website.

Our EDI commitment

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and being an equal opportunities employer, whereby equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core to our recruitment practices. All candidates who meet the job criteria will be considered for employment, regardless of ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities and care experience.

We ask candidates to share their diversity dimensions with us to help us identify, tackle and prevent bias across the employee lifecycle. We believe a diverse workforce enhances our ability to support mental health and wellbeing, allowing us to better meet the needs of the children, young people and families we serve.

As a Disability Confident employer, disabled candidates meeting our criteria are guaranteed an interview. Applications are submitted anonymously and assessed using a fair evaluation process based on the criteria set out in our job profiles.

What we offer

We offer a range of staff benefits, including an all-in-one rewards and recognition platform called Perkbox and wellbeing offers such as finishing early on Fridays and free counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme. We are proud to have staff-led Diversity Networks offering unique opportunities for learning, connection and impact.

What you’ll do

As Deputy Programme Director, you will play a key role in the leadership, delivery and ongoing development of the MSc Psychology and Trauma (Child & Adolescent) programme, working closely with the Programme Director to ensure students receive a high-quality learning experience and that the programme meets UCL academic standards and objectives.

• Support the leadership and management of the programme by helping to oversee day-to-day operations, quality assurance, governance requirements, student recruitment activities, and the ongoing development of the course
• Contribute to teaching and assessment through delivering teaching sessions, marking student work, developing assessments and marking criteria, and ensuring academic standards are maintained across the programme
• Lead and manage a dedicated module by planning and delivering teaching, coordinating guest lecturers and seminar leaders, reviewing content, overseeing assessments, and evaluating module effectiveness
• Support student success and wellbeing by monitoring student progress and engagement, contributing to pastoral support, responding to feedback, and helping to manage academic or welfare-related concerns
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation by helping to enhance curriculum content, maintaining compliance with UCL requirements, supporting digital learning developments, and ensuring a positive, inclusive learning environment for all students

What you’ll bring

You will be an experienced academic or clinical professional with specialist expertise in child and adolescent trauma, a strong track record in postgraduate teaching and programme delivery, and the ability to provide academic leadership while creating an engaging, supportive and inclusive learning experience for students

• Relevant doctoral qualification and subject expertise – You will hold a relevant clinical doctoral qualification with professional registration (e.g. Psychologist, Psychoanalyst or Family Therapist) or a PhD in child mental health, alongside extensive knowledge of psychology, neuroscience and the impact of trauma on child development and wellbeing
• Postgraduate teaching and curriculum experience – You will have experience designing, delivering and quality-assuring postgraduate or Master's level education, including teaching, assessment, marking and curriculum development
• Academic leadership and programme management skills – You will be able to contribute to the leadership and successful delivery of a postgraduate programme, managing competing priorities while maintaining high academic standards and regulatory compliance
• Student support and engagement experience – You will have a proven ability to provide pastoral and academic support, foster student engagement, and contribute to a positive learning environment that supports student achievement and wellbeing
• Collaborative and digital learning expertise – You will be comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams, managing teaching staff and guest lecturers, and using virtual learning environments and digital learning technologies to deliver high-quality online education

Key details

Hours: Part-time: 14hrs/0.4FTE – flexible but to include Tuesday afternoons.  Programme teaching days and team days are expected to be prioritised

Salary: £58,000 pro rata per annum FTE, plus 6% contributory pension scheme.

Location: Remote

Contract type: Fixed Term cover for 12 months

Next steps

Closing date for applications: midday (12pm), Monday, 29 June 2026. Please note that due to high application volumes, we may close this advert early. We encourage you to apply promptly and to keep an eye on our future vacancies for more opportunities.

Notification of interview: shortlisted applicants will be notified no later than Monday, 6 July 2026. During shortlisting, applicants are anonymously assessed using the criteria visible in the Job Profile. Please note: due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Interviews: will be held remotely in week commencing 13 July 2026

How to apply: click on the 'apply now’ button to apply online. We are unable to accept CVs and kindly request no contact from agencies.

Questions?

Please email us with any job enquiries, or if you require assistance or experience difficulties when applying. Please note that successful candidate(s) will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor license therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.

About the Service

For over twenty years, Barnardo's LINK has delivered high-quality post adoption support to children and families. Our work supports prospective adopters, adoptive families, children and young people, birth family relatives, and families funded via the Adoption Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF).

We also have well established contracts with Health and Local Authority Commissioners offering short term therapeutic intervention to support families affected by mental health. To deliver the service we work with a network of independent therapists across England, offering both virtual and face-to-face therapeutic and parenting support.

A core component of our work is our Attachment Focused Therapy, which strengthens relationships between parents and children and supports the development of secure attachments. Our approach is grounded in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and the principles of PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy).

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Manager to drive excellence across Barnardo's LINK. This is a senior role with strategic, operational and practice leadership responsibilities, supporting the continued growth and development of our post-adoption support work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and embed high quality therapeutic practice across LINK and wider Barnardo's Family Placement provision, ensuring learning is shared and applied effectively.
• Oversee and manage relationships with commissioners, including Local Authorities, Health partners, and ASGSF-funded contracts.
• Represent Barnardo's at internal and external forums within the adoption sector.
• Drive continuous service improvement, building on our 2026 Ofsted Outstanding judgement.
• Lead on recruitment, training, and development of therapists, ensuring a strong and responsive national network.
• Identify opportunities for service growth, development, and promotion.

About You

You will bring:

• Significant experience in post-adoption support, including therapeutic work with children and families.
• Strong knowledge of attachment theory, therapeutic parenting models, and trauma-informed practice.
• Experience of working with commissioning frameworks such as the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF).
• Proven ability to lead services and manage partnerships with commissioners and stakeholders.
• A passion for improving outcomes for children, young people and families through innovative, evidence-based practice.
• Excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills.

Why Barnardo's?

At Barnardo's, we are committed to transforming the lives of the most vulnerable children.

Joining LINK means:

• Being part of a nationally recognised, Ofsted Outstanding Service
• Working within a values-driven, child-centred organisation
• Access to ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
• Making a real difference to adoptive families and mental health wellbeing

Apply now to help shape the future with Barnardo's LINK Adoption & Family Support Service.

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

Job title: Counselling Support and Outreach Coordinator - Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Reports to: Therapies Assessor and Service Manager

Salary: Salary of £26,227 per annum

Location: Remote with regular travel across Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week

Post No: 2WCSOCFT1

Objective:

2wish exists to provide support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under.

Aims:

• Ensure every Emergency Department and Critical Care unit has a suitable bereavement suite
• Ensure that bereavement boxes are available at each of these hospitals
• Ensure that immediate bereavement support is available for all affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide a professional counselling service and complementary therapies for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support to individuals who witness the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support and training to professionals from any sector who may be affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• To advocate and campaign on behalf of suddenly bereaved families

2wish Cymru & 2wish:

2wish has been established since 2012 and has grown from strength to strength. During tis time, we have worked tirelessly to embed our service and ensure that the offer of support is made at the point of death. We offer an immediate, consistent, high-quality and compassionate service to all individuals affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under in Wales and the bordering counties in England, including; Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Avon and Somerset, with the plan to continue to roll out support to the whole of England. We work in partnership with professionals who refer int the charity on behalf of families, so they don’t have to trawl through the internet for an organisation who may, or may not, be able to support. We provide immediate, and ongoing, support and are here for as long as our families need us.

Context of role:

2wish supports anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under. We are a largely self-funded charity providing support across Wales and in the bordering counties with England, providing immediate casework support, as well as ongoing aftercare services including counselling, alternative therapies, play therapy, support groups, support events and a respite cottage.

Main duties:

Service:

• To coordinate support services including counselling, complementary therapy and play therapy for bereaved individuals
• To receive and contact historic referrals directly from professional agencies, bereaved individuals, or the immediate support team
• To contact all individuals within 48 hours of receiving a support service referral
• To liaise with counsellors, complementary therapists and play therapists to arrange and coordinate support
• To recruit new counsellors and therapists within your geographical boundaries and surrounding areas and build a community of therapists to engage with 2wish
• To deliver awareness training to secondary referral partners in healthcare settings, schools and workplaces on the use of the bereavement boxes, referring into the charity and bereavement awareness
• To set up, coordinate and support in the delivery of the focus support groups
• To plan, organise and attend bi-monthly family and sibling events
• To set-up, coordinate, and chair quarterly 2wish Practitioner Forums for those working to support bereaved individuals
• Attend any other relevant forums
• To co-manage, maintain, and monitor the 2Wish Families Facebook page and ensure appropriate and upto-date content
• To co-manage, maintain, and monitor the Counsellors and Therapists Facebook page and ensure appropriate and on-going training and guest speakers as required
• To send one-year anniversary thinking of you cards to bereaved families
• To work consistently to raise awareness of 2wish in the community and with key partners
• Contribute on the social media platforms maintained by 2wish
• Support in the planning of and attend the annual 2wish Conference
• To submit monthly/quarterly/annual reports to management as required
• To signpost and/or refer to other agencies as required that can provide support as needed

General:

• To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration
• To keep clear and up to date records on database of activities with families and any ensuingaction
• To promote the on-going work and continued support that 2wish can offer
• To work as part of a team providing support to suddenly bereaved families
• To work alongside support team and maintain a seamless approach to service delivery
• To maintain a high degree of confidentiality in accordance with the charity’s policies
• To show respect and sensitivity for the cultural and religious beliefs of families
• To undertake learning opportunities and seek them out for the team
• To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working practices as appropriate
• To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary
• Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to the role
• To contribute to the evaluation and monitoring processes to ensure effectiveness of services and activities provided
• Contribute on the social media platforms maintained by 2wish

It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.

This role is subject to a DBS check.

What we do for you:

Contract type: Permanent

Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays. Annual leave steadily increases after five years of service. Annual leave and statutory holidays are calculated on a pro rata basis where applicable.

Pension: 2wish operate a contributory pension scheme. 2wish will auto-enrol you into the scheme in accordance with it's auto-enrolment obligations. Full details of the scheme will be provided to you once you are enrolled, including the minimum level of contributions that you will be required to make during your membership (current contributions - employer 3% and employee 5%).

Mileage: A fixed rate allowance is payable for agreed mileage in accordance with our expense policy, undertaken on 2wish business in a private vehicle, over and above your usual journey to your workplace/s.

Additional benefits for our employees:

• An 'Employee Assistance Programme, ' including wellbeing support
• Free parking on 2wish premises
• Free branded 2wish clothing
• An extra annual leave day on your birthday
• Incremental increase in holiday entitlement based on length of service
• Paid sick leave
• Discounts for personal purchases on 2wish Merchandise
• Discounted tickets to UK 2wish events for staff and family
• Extra holiday entitlement when taking part in 2wish overseas events
• Tools/equipment required for the performance of duties
• Reimbursement of work expenses
• Bright Exchange employee discounts
• Auto-enrolment into company contributory pension scheme after 3 months service

How to apply:

Please return a CV and covering letter, or a CV and two-minute video, by email.

Closing date: Friday 26th June 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Only those applicants that have been shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable young people to overcome adversity and achieve their potential? Do you have the ability to build trusted relationships with young people facing complex challenges and help them make positive changes in their lives?

If so, St Giles Trust is looking for a Keyworker to join the multi-agency Power2 Team in Wolverhampton, delivering intensive mentoring and support to children and young people aged 10–25 who have experienced trauma, exploitation, instability, or other significant vulnerabilities.

About St Giles Trust 
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.  

About the Service
The Power2 Team is a multi-agency, multidisciplinary service that brings together specialist professionals to support children and young people who are at risk of exploitation, serious youth violence, criminal involvement and other harmful outcomes.

Using trauma-informed, strengths-based and relational approaches, the team works closely with young people, families, communities and partner agencies to improve wellbeing, increase resilience and create safer futures.

About this key role
You will provide intensive one-to-one mentoring and group-based interventions to vulnerable and at-risk young people, helping them to identify and achieve positive goals while reducing the risks they face.

Working as part of a collaborative multi-agency team, you will build trusting relationships with young people and their families, coordinate support, and ensure that the voice of the child remains central to all interventions.

You will:

• Deliver trauma-informed mentoring, group work and targeted interventions that support young people to build resilience, confidence and positive aspirations
• Develop and deliver individual support plans using strengths-based and restorative approaches
• Work closely with families and partner agencies to coordinate effective support
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns and risks relating to exploitation, serious youth violence and criminal activity
• Support young people to engage with education, training, employment and community opportunities
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities
• Promote the voice, choice and participation of young people in decisions affecting their lives

What we are looking for

• Personal lived experiences similar to those of the target client group
• Experience of engaging positively with young people and families
• Experience delivering one-to-one support, mentoring or advocacy
• Experience facilitating group work and structured interventions
• Ability to build trust with individuals who may be reluctant to engage or have complex needs
• Knowledge of child criminal exploitation, county lines, gang involvement and grooming
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and safeguarding
• Ability to assess risk and implement appropriate interventions
• Strong communication, relationship-building and organisational skills
• Experience working with partner agencies and multi-disciplinary teams
• Ability to maintain accurate records and work towards targets

As an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients. An Enhanced DBS Check with children’s barred list is required for this Role-But there is not an expectation it will be ‘clean’- St Giles employs many people with convictions.

We actively encourage people with personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group to apply for this role.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

Closing date: 26 June 2026 at 9am.

Ref: WON-261

Closing date: 6 July 2026 at 9am.

Due to the nature of the service the role is only open to female applicants and The Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 applies to this post.

Are you a dynamic, collaborative and compassionate individual with a proven track record as a caseworker delivering gender specific and trauma responsive interventions which support resettlement and rehabilitation of female adults in the criminal justice system, whether in the community or in prisons?

If so, St Giles is looking for a Female Link Worker who will be responsible for providing an initial assessment and a time-effective, whole-system support service for women within the Norfolk area who have come into contact with the Criminal Justice System.

The service users supported by this role will be individuals facing various and multiple disadvantages, including; mental health needs, housing issues, debt, substance misuse, family and relationship issues, individuals who have suffered domestic and sexual abuse, and those at risk of offending or reoffending.  You will be required to tailor the service to meet the needs of the women on your caseload and assist in diverting them away from the Criminal Justice System.

The role will be community-based and client-led and will involve significant partnership working within the local area to enable you to offer a whole system approach to overcoming barriers and empowering the service user to make better life choices

You will be part of a comprehensive service delivering Wonder+ across Norfolk, representing St Giles Trust, being mindful of and promoting the organisation’s Vision, Mission, Values, and strategic aims at all times.

About St Giles Trust 
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

What we are looking for: 

• Experience of working successfully with challenging people, for example, people who have complex needs, people who are reluctant to discuss their needs, and people who are angry and confused.
• Understanding of the issues faced by females involved or at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
• A knowledge and understanding of providing support, advice, and advocacy to vulnerable clients and the ability to communicate this knowledge in a variety of ways.
• Ability to assess clients’ needs and provide client-led support.
• Ability to calculate risk and implement safety procedures when engaging with clients in the community.
• A good understanding of Safeguarding.
• An understanding of rural issues and working across the region in isolated communities. Candidates must be willing to work flexibly and travel across the county as needed.
• The ability to use monitoring systems to record all aspects of the project, including actions, outcomes, and referrals, and demonstrate achievement of targets.
• The flexibility to work some early mornings and evenings and travel (where necessary) throughout the region and occasional travel to head office for relevant training.
• Awareness of and commitment to equal opportunity and diversity practices and policies, and ability to promote diversity and treat colleagues and clients fairly and with respect.

Please note and Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

We actively encourage people with personal experience of the issues facing this client group to apply for this role.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

Service Manager - Part time

Location: Northamptonshire

Salary: £21,600 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Part Time

About The Role

We’re launching a brand-new Day Rehab Programme in North Northamptonshire and are looking for a Service Manager to help shape and lead it from the ground up. This is a part-time role (21 hours per week, with flexible working patterns available), offering the chance to build a service that will make a real difference in people’s recovery journeys.

You’ll also support the development of a new LERO, helping it grow towards independence and sustainability, while working closely with the Regional Manager and wider partners.

What you’ll be doing

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll balance operational delivery with strategic input.

• Lead delivery of the Day Rehab Programme (Self-Help Addiction Recovery model)
• Support the setup and development of a new LERO service
• Line manage a Lead Counsellor, Administrator, and LERO staff
• Work with the Regional Manager on strategy, business planning, and service improvements
• Build and maintain strong relationships with commissioners and key stakeholders
• Ensure accurate data, timely reporting, and full audit compliance
• Monitor performance against service level agreements and targets

What We're Looking For

You'll be confident leading services in a fast-moving environment, with the ability to support both people and performance.

• Experience in service management within health, social care, or substance misuse
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Confidence working with data, reporting, and compliance frameworks
• Ability to develop partnerships and work collaboratively with external stakeholders
• A proactive, organised, and solutions-focused approach
• Commitment to safeguarding, quality, and continuous improvement

As this is a part-time role, it may particularly suit a practising counsellor, therapist, or other health and social care professional who wishes to combine service leadership with an existing private practice or portfolio career. However, we welcome applications from all candidates who can demonstrate the skills, experience, and availability required for the role.

No two days will be the same, you might be shaping service delivery in the morning, supporting your team through supervision in the afternoon, and reviewing performance data or meeting commissioners later in the day.

Some flexibility is required, including occasional evening or weekend work, and travel within the region may be necessary.

This is a rare opportunity to help design and embed a brand-new service from day one. You’ll play a key role in shaping recovery pathways, building a strong team culture, and ensuring high-quality support for service users.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits - 

• Flexible working
• Training and development opportunities
• BHSF Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 
• Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter 
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) 
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and highly organised individual with either registered healthcare status or an experienced commissioner of healthcare services and a passion for supporting people with long-term health conditions like ME.

As Clinical Lead, you will play a pivotal role in the delivery and development of our Healthcare Services. As our CQC Registered Manager, you will play a critical role in supporting the team and assuring effective and safe services for people with ME of all ages and their families.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will also play a pivotal role in developing our services, drive performance and optimise processes, and enhance service delivery to take action with impact to better support individuals living with ME.

Job Purpose   

Working closely with the Director of Operations, the Clinical Lead will play a pivotal role in leading and developing Action for ME’s clinical Healthcare Services, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care for individuals affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The postholder will be responsible for clinical oversight, service development, and leadership, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance outcomes for children and adults with ME and will be the CQC Registered Manager for the service.  

At present, Healthcare Services is a small team with two physiotherapists and one doctor (specialist GP), with plans to recruit more.

We are keen to develop and expand our services, building on the small amount of spot purchasing from local commissioning boards and exploring a diagnosing and prescribing offer. We are also keen to explore the potential of increasing the range of disciplines offered within the team. You will play a key role in contributing to, and delivering, the strategy for our Healthcare Services.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Provide clinical support and expertise to Action for ME's Healthcare Services, ensuring evidence-based, person-centred care.  
• Act as Registered Manager for CQC (Care Quality Commission) purposes and ensure that the service meets all required standards.   
• Lead the development and implementation of clinical policies, protocols, and best practices in line with national guidelines and regulatory requirements.  
• Supervise and support healthcare professionals within the service, offering guidance, mentorship, and training.  
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including NHS services, researchers, and others, to enhance healthcare provision for people with ME.  
• Ensure the service complies with regulatory and safeguarding standards, including CQC requirements where applicable.  
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, using data-driven insights to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience.  
• Provide expert advice on complex cases, supporting the team with clinical decision-making.  
• Designated Safeguarding Officer for Healthcare Services.   
• Represent Action for ME at external forums, conferences, and policy discussions.   

Person specification
All criteria noted below are essential requirements of the role.

Qualifications

• A registered healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist) with active professional registration (GMC, NMC, HCPC or equivalent) OR an experienced commissioner of healthcare services with experience of quality assurance, safeguarding and compliance. 

Experience and Knowledge

• Extensive clinical experience in chronic illness management OR sound understanding of clinical practice, ideally with expertise in ME or related conditions and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by people with ME.  
• An understanding of Care Quality Commission regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership experience in a healthcare setting, including team management and service development.  
• Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and clinical governance.  
• A sound understanding and experience of safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults.
• Experience in training and mentoring healthcare professionals.  
• Knowledge of NHS structures and commissioning processes.  
• An understanding of working within the third sector or charitable organisations.

Skills and Behaviours

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and the ability to quickly learn relevant bespoke software systems.

Attitudes

• Commitment to patient-centred care and advocacy for people with ME.