Key worker volunteer jobs

36 hours per week / £36,530 per annum pro rata / permanent / working two days onsite and three days from home, working pattern to be discussed at interview

At YMCA DownsLink Group,  is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

 is delivered by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with YMCA DownsLink Group. We offer a variety of support including counselling and psychological therapies to children and young people within Brighton and Hove.

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Wellbeing Children & Young People's (CYP) Lead to support and shape our therapeutic services for young people in Brighton and Hove.

Overview of key areas of responsibility:

Leadership

• Provide line management support and supervision to wellbeing workers (e.g. counsellors, practitioners, therapists, link workers and trainees).
• Work alongside a team of leads to support the running, development and management of the service.
• Lead induction, mentoring, and training of new staff, trainees, and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement across the team.

Core Clinical

• Carry out individual general counselling assessments of children and young people and make appropriate referrals.
• Provide guidance and oversight for complex or high-risk cases.
• Ensure all interventions are evidence-based, child-centred, and trauma-informed.
• Develop and oversee counselling protocols, therapeutic pathways, and risk assessment frameworks.

Safeguarding and Risk

• Lead and give oversight for safeguarding concerns, embedding a safeguarding-first culture across the service.
• Work to ensure all counsellors, staff, and link workers, are trained, confident, and compliant in safeguarding practice.
• Implement robust risk assessment and management processes.
• Monitor safeguarding incidents, identify themes, and strengthen safeguarding practice.
• Liaise with schools, health, social care, police, and other agencies in safeguarding matters.

Service Development

• Work with the Service Manager, Leads and Clinical Leads to strengthen and expand counselling provision, including group work.
• Triage referrals and represent the service in multi-agency triage meetings.
• Promote and develop opportunities for community participation and youth voice in service design.
• Build strong relationships with schools, health services, local authorities, commissioners, and community partners.
• Represent the service at local and regional forums, influencing CYP wellbeing strategies.

Please download the job profile (below), which includes detailed role description and person specification.

Qualifications, knowledge, and experience

• More than 2 years post-qualified at graduate or post graduate level Counselling Diploma or equivalent [of two years minimum duration including personal counselling or psychotherapy].
• BACP Registration or Accreditation and/or other eligible Professional Accreditation e.g. UKCP/HPC.
• Strong team-management and line-management experience is required, including demonstrated experience in supervising, developing, and supporting staff.
• A good level of understanding in therapeutic or counselling theory and practice and working to short-term models.
• A sound understanding of child developmental processes, Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding issues and procedures, along with proven experience in safeguarding young children.
• Solid experience in delivering counselling and/or therapy and assessment, along with experience with dealing with complex cases.
• Experience of multi-disciplinary team working, with the ability to work within time-limited frameworks.

CLOSING DATE: Tuesday 24 February 2026 at midnight. Proposed interview date Thursday 19 March 2026.

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity checks.

At Outside the Box we make a real difference, positively changing the lives of the people with learning disabilities/autism. To build on our success, we are now looking for someone special to lead our ‘day’ services (OTB Choices).

OTB Choices provides a dynamic portfolio of education, skills, creative and work experience opportunities, from cooking, art and craft to printing, computing, music and customer service, and much more. We are at an exciting stage in our delivery and development and are seeking an exceptional person to lead and manage our services, ensuring consistently high quality provision that really does make a difference.

You will play a pivotal role in our work, proactively leading a diverse team and multi-site operations to achieve targets and outcomes. You will be solution-focused, have the strength, vision and evidenced track record of an experienced manager and shared passion for enabling and empowering people with learning disabilities and/or autism to have their best lives.

Citizens UK

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

Purpose

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

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

Main Responsibilities

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

People & Culture Strategy

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

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

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

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

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

Talent Management

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

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

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

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

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

Performance, Leadership & Capability

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

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

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

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

Organisational Culture, Engagement & Wellbeing

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

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

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

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

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

EDI & Safeguarding

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

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

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

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

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

Governance, Risk & Compliance

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

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

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

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

Systems & HR Operations

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

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

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

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

Functional Leadership & Resource Management

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

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

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

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

Personal Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Qualifications

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

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

Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key skills and knowledge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personal qualities & values

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated professional interested in working in a thriving and successful Development team. We are seeking an individual who has the skills and determination to help support the University’s trust and foundation fundraising and enjoys working as part of a happy and vibrant in-house/remote team.

Working to support the Senior Development Manager, Trusts and Foundations; the Development Officer, Trusts and Foundations, will help to deliver the trust and foundation fundraising strategy. The post-holder will work alongside Development colleagues to identify funding opportunities both in the UK and internationally. The post-holder will have responsibility for securing significant new funds to support the strategic priorities of our £300 million fundraising campaign which covers a wide range of areas. This work will focus particularly on proposals for four and five figure gifts.

The post-holder will assist the Senior Development Manager, Trusts and Foundations, in cultivating currently engaged and new trusts, foundations and charities. They will work with the Senior Development Assistant (Research) to grow the pipeline of giving through research into suitable trusts and foundations whose aims are closely aligned with the strategic priorities of the University.

The post-holder will have experience of trust and foundation fundraising accompanied by a sound knowledge of university fundraising. They will be a creative and strategic thinker and possess excellent communication skills with the ability to work proactively, both internally and externally. This role will require knowledge of trust and foundation funders, excellent written communication skills and a high level of attention to detail.

Above all, the post-holder must be passionate about the role that philanthropy plays in supporting higher education for the benefit of society as a whole.

In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews:

•       Financial contribution to relocation

•       Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions

•        A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance

•        Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services

•       Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel

•       Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme

•          34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.

Closing date: 11 March 2026

Interview date: 19 March 2026

The Role

Are you passionate about making a real impact to people's lives?

P3 is seeking a strong and dynamic Service Manager to oversee our Warwickshire P3 Living Services across South Warwickshire. You will lead a team to drive positive change and make a difference within the lives of the individuals and communities we support. 

At P3, we provide a range of accommodation and community-based services across Coventry and Warwickshire. Our services offer housing, intensive and light touch support to people who are facing homelessness, multiple disadvantages and other accommodation related challenges. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of P3’s growth and to further your own development.

As Service Manager, you will lead by example promoting P3’s values and behaviours. Providing compassionate leadership and managing our exceptional teams with care, kindness, and a commitment to trauma-informed practices, you will ensure that the people we support are at the heart of our service delivery, helping to create lasting, positive change.

Our Charity

Established in 1972, P3 Charity is a modern, forward-thinking organisation providing support services to people facing social exclusion across the UK.

We offer a wide range of services, including homelessness prevention, supported housing, mental health support, community advice, hoarding support and services for young people.

We’re a person-centred organisation who works alongside people to improve lives. We do this by strengthening communities, unlocking potential and creating new possibilities. We tackle challenges others won’t and we go the extra mile. We believe in collaboration – both within our teams and with the local community – to achieve the best outcomes.

Our values-driven approach means we recruit for values and train for skills.

What We Offer

Enhanced annual leave entitlement – 27 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays.

Commitment to mental health and wellbeing – people are at the heart of what we do; you’ll also have access to our National Wellbeing Lead and Regional Wellbeing Champions.

Paycare health cash plan – you can claim back costs for a wide range of everyday health expenses, including optical, dental, physiotherapy, and more, within an annual limit.

Employee Assistance Program – access to 24/7 GP appointments, 1-1 counselling and health assessments.

Team initiatives – this may include team away days, P3’s Big Day Out and our Annual Awards Ceremony.

Discounts – including the Blue Light Card, Bike2Work Scheme, Paycare Perks and Tickets for Good.

Personal development opportunities – including mentoring, training, secondments, job shadowing and a Colleague Volunteering Programme with 1 day paid leave per year.

Enhanced sickness pay – based on your length of service.

Earning Potential – optional overtime and refer a friend bonus scheme.

Please note P3 reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the stated closing date.

The successful candidate must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle. Please note, this post is subject to an enhanced check made by the Disclosure & Barring Services, paid for by P3.

P3 is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to combating all forms of discrimination

About Shooting Star Children’s Hospices 

We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified Complementary Therapist to join our team at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices as Complementary Therapies Lead. 

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices provides specialist care to families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or who have been bereaved. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, we support families across Surrey, north-west London and south-west London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, psychological and medical care.

At the heart of what we do are our dedicated staff; their exceptional commitment and professionalism means every family has the opportunity to make every moment count.

It’s a great time to join Shooting Star Children’s Hospices as we have a growing therapies team, supporting families through complementary therapies, arts therapies and EMDR therapy. 

About the role 

As Complementary Therapies Lead, you will lead the delivery of high-quality complementary therapies to children, parents and families of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. This includes families affected by a child’s life-limiting condition, and families who experience the sudden and unexpected death of their child. The Complementary Therapies service includes individual treatments and therapeutic support groups, to help ease physical discomfort, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional wellbeing in a safe and nurturing environment. 

About you 

This role requires a minimum of two years post qualification experience as a Complementary Therapist practicing aromatherapy and holistic massage. You may have additional qualification in reflexology, Indian head massage, or acupuncture. 

We are looking for someone with experience of working with individuals of different ages and those who have experienced trauma or significant mental health struggles You will be passionate about utilising the complementary therapies for easing a wide range of difficulties, including helping children with medical conditions, carers struggling with the emotional and physical difficulties that arise in caring for their life-limited child and families who have experienced the death of their child.

You must be registered with the Complementary and National Healthcare Council or other professional body (or able to apply and confirm membership ahead of appointment).

Please see the attached job description for more information about this opportunity at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. 

What we offer

In return you will receive a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, which include:

Pension scheme

• NHS Pension Scheme (for eligible employees) or our stakeholder pension scheme, with up to 7% employer contributions
  
  Annual leave

• 27 days plus Bank Holidays rising with length of service
• 2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years’ service
  
  Contractual benefits

• Generous sick pay scheme
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave pay
• Flexible working arrangements
• Death in service benefits
• Reimbursed professional membership fees
• Eye care
• Employee referral scheme
• Blue Light discount card
  
  Health and wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health
• Mindfulness sessions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Mental Health First Aiders

Anticipated Start Date: 04/05/2026

Closing Date: 28/02/2026

The vacancy

The Housing Officer role is 37.5 hours a week, working shifts between 8am and 8pm Monday-Friday which you will share with two other staff members on an 8-4, 10-6 or 12-8 rota pattern.

The role is based in Colchester.

Your time will be spent working with residents towards independent living by assisting them to claim and maintain benefits, move into work, education or volunteering, learn about successful budgeting, to eat healthily and keep themselves safe and healthy both physically and mentally. You will also interview prospective residents, carry out room checks, fire checks, assist with our food distribution scheme, collect payments and arrears, attend appointments with the young people as and when necessary, take an active role in resident engagement and support the management team.

Who we are and what we do

YMCA Essex has a 44 room, supported housing unit on Magdalen Street in Colchester. We house young people aged 16-25, supporting them towards independent living and a well rounded life. We encourage and support them into work, education or training and to be able to maintain a tenancy and look after themselves when they leave YMCA. Residents can live at the YMCA for a two-year period after which time we assist them in moving onto independent living.

You

Have an active care and concern for the community, work in an inclusive way, welcoming the diverse needs of our young residents. You are tolerant, understanding and non-judgemental. You have an interest in the needs of young people and a thirst to support them towards being the best they can possibly be.

You have experience of working in supported or general needs housing, wellbeing planning, risk assessments, working with young people and a great knowledge of welfare benefits, grants and other sources of income available. You have housing management, rent accounting and tenancy sustainment expertise as well as experience of dealing with anti-social behaviour and resident engagement.

Your IT skills are current with a good understanding of Microsoft packages and Sharepoint and you have an excellent level of education. You are experienced in working in and handling stressful situations. You are flexible and adaptable in regard to working hours and are able to take part in an on-call rota evening and weekend rota. You have a driving licence or can get to Magdalen Street at any time of day or night (if on call) within 30 minutes.

As a great communicator you are able to demonstrate an empathetic and person centred approach, problem solve on a daily basis, work with minimal supervision and with discretion and integrity whilst respecting confidentiality.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A CARER ROLE. THERE IS NO PERSONAL CARE INVOLVED AND RESIDENTS ARE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY ABLE. CARE WORK EXPERIENCE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS HOUSING EXPERIENCE.

YOU MUST HAVE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE TO BE CONSIDERED AND LIVE WITHIN 30 MINUTES TRAVEL OF COLCHESTER.

Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Communications and Social Media Officer to strengthen our digital presence and amplify the voices of children affected by parental mental illness.

This role plays a central part in delivering our communications strategy by ensuring our message reaches families, professionals, funders and partners with clarity, creativity and purpose. You will manage our social media channels, develop engaging and accessible content, support campaign rollouts, and contribute to PR and stakeholder communications that challenge stigma and raise national awareness.

Working closely with the Communications Lead and the wider team, you’ll help shape and share stories that reflect lived experience, ensuring children feel seen, understood, and less alone, and that the wider system better understands the impact of parental mental health difficulties.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in communications, social media, or digital marketing within a charity or purpose-driven organisation who enjoys combining strategy with hands-on delivery, translating complex topics into compelling content, and using insights to grow reach and engagement.

To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.

We're looking for a kind, empathetic and resilient Deputy Manager to join our Mental Health Service in Tower Hamlets.

£37,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Service Manager to support the effective delivery of a 21-unit Supported Housing service providing both high- and low-support accommodation for adults with mental health histories and complex needs.

You will work in partnership with key stakeholders to deliver a high-performing, compliant service rooted in holistic, person-centred support. Through trauma-informed, psychologically informed, and strengths-based practice, you will support your team to work alongside customers to achieve meaningful outcomes, independence, and wellbeing.

What you'll do:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

1. Leadership, Staff Line Management and Culture
* Support the Senior Service Manager to lead, motivate, and develop the staff team, promoting a positive, inclusive, and performance-driven culture aligned with Look Ahead values.
* Provide effective line management, including induction, supervision, appraisals, and ongoing development, ensuring staff competence, accountability, and wellbeing.
* Address staff issues promptly, including performance concerns, conflict resolution, and conduct matters, supporting early and proportionate intervention.
* Promote reflective practice and continuous improvement through supervision, team meetings, and learning opportunities.
* Ensure clear, consistent, and transparent communication across the service to support staff engagement and shared understanding of priorities.
2. Operational Management, Performance and KPIs
* Support the Senior Service Manager to drive day-to-day operational delivery across the service or designated Lots, contributing to objective setting and performance monitoring.
* Monitor service performance against local and organisational targets, taking action to address underperformance where required.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Ability to lead and motivate staff in a transparent and consistent
* Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
* Prefers working as part of a group or team
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* Experience of managing accommodation-based services and resources and delivering to budget and performance targets
* Experience of supervising staff teams supporting young people in/leaving care
Desirable:
* Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications
* Holds relevant CMI/NVQ Level 4 or other business/management qualification

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

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

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Job title: Safeguarding Lead

Reports to: Head of Bereavement Services

Salary: £33,120

Location: Hybrid working with 2 days a week in the office depending on location.

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours, Monday-Friday.

Post No: 2WSFT01

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 other 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 and 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 support anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under. We provide immediate casework support, as well as ongoing aftercare services including counselling, alternative therapies, play therapy, support groups, support events and a respite cottage.

We are looking for a strong leader to manage the bereavement service including the operational delivery of immediate support and counselling and therapeutic support services, this includes the line management of the staff responsible for delivering this service.

We are proud of what we have achieved in Wales and the excellent service provided everyday by the support team. We are looking for a nurturer with experience of managing projects and service delivery with the ability and drive to motivate and support a varied and talented team.

Main duties:

Safeguarding Leadership & Case Management

• Act as the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns raised internally or externally.
• Assess, triage, and respond to safeguarding concerns involving vulnerable bereaved parents, carers, siblings, or young people.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR and 2wish policies.
• Liaise with statutory agencies (Social Services, Police, Health, Education) to ensure appropriate information‑sharing and coordinated responses.
• Ensure timely escalation of high‑risk cases to the senior leadership team.

Support to Families & Vulnerable Individuals

• Provide trauma‑informed safeguarding guidance to staff supporting families in crisis or acute grief.
• Monitor risks associated with complex family dynamics (e.g., domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health crises, self‑harm, suicidal ideation).
• Offer safeguarding input into family support plans, therapeutic work, and follow‑up services.
• Contribute to safer engagement strategies for young people attending support sessions or activities.

Safeguarding at Events

• Work closely with the Events Team to ensure risk assessments for fundraising events account for vulnerable beneficiaries in attendance.
• Provide on‑the‑day safeguarding cover at key events when required.
• Support staff and volunteers in managing disclosures or concerns arising during events.

Policy, Procedure & Compliance

• Support the development, review, and implementation of safeguarding policies in line with national legislation, regulatory guidance, and best practice.
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission safeguarding expectations.
• Conduct audits and spot checks to assess safeguarding practice across 2wish services.
• Contribute to risk assessments, incident reviews, and continuous improvement processes.

Training & Capacity Building

• Deliver safeguarding training and briefings to staff, trustees, volunteers, and sessional workers.
• Promote a confident safeguarding culture where concerns are recognised early and raised promptly.
• Support onboarding processes to ensure all staff and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

Partnership Working

• Build strong relationships with safeguarding boards, local authorities, health boards, schools, and referral partners.
• Represent 2wish multi‑agency meetings, strategy discussions, and case conferences.

General:

• To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration
• 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

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.

You will be subject to performance review, which will incorporate a review of the above duties and performance over the period.

The postholder must uphold 2wish values: Compassion, Boldness, Excellence and Community.

This role is subject to a DBS check.

What we do for you:

Contract type: Permanent and full-time

Hours: Normal office hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, although alternative hours may be worked with line manager agreement. Work outside office hours may sometimes be necessary and will be compensated for by time off in lieu.

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 undertaken on 2wish business in a private vehicle, over and above your usual journey to your workplace/s.

Location: 2wish is currently working with staff to offer a form of hybrid working and this will continue for the foreseeable.

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
• Free tickets to UK 2wish events, discounts for family
• Extra holiday entitlement when taking part in 2wish overseas events
• Company mobile phone for performance of duties
• Tools/equipment required for the performance of duties
• Reimbursement of work expenses
• Bright Exchange employee discounts

How to apply:

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

Closing Date: 13 March 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.