Mental health services manager jobs

About You:

Those who know you describe you as kind, understanding, and open-minded. You listen without judgement and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

In the workplace, you are recognised as reliable, approachable, and professional. You communicate clearly, remain calm under pressure, and are confident managing competing priorities. You have a natural ability to encourage, empower, and motivate others to make positive changes, even in challenging circumstances.

You are reflective and emotionally intelligent, with a strong desire to support individuals to achieve greater independence and wellbeing. Making a meaningful difference isn’t just important to you — it’s what drives you.

You may already have an understanding of the complex challenges faced by people who are vulnerable or at risk of exclusion. This experience could come from previous employment, volunteering, training, or your own lived experience, and you are keen to use this knowledge to support others.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you and welcome you to join our dedicated and supportive team.

Main Purpose Of The Job:

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team in a dual-role capacity, supporting two vital services run in partnership with Homeless Oxfordshire and Connection Support. The role covers both our Step Down provision—designed for individuals discharged from hospital under the Discharge to Assess model—and our service at Mawle Court, which provides temporary accommodation and support for people with complex needs, including those preparing for more independent living or in need of emergency provision. Working as part of a small, dynamic, and enthusiastic team, you will be responsible for delivering a safe and supportive environment across both services. You will lead on the case management of clients with complex needs, working collaboratively with partner agencies to develop and implement holistic, individualised support and move-on plans. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals, helping them on their journey towards stability and independence.

Main Areas of Responsibility:

• To proactively and dynamically assess, monitor, manage and respond to risk for individuals and in the service.

• To assess risk and suitability of referrals to the service and book new clients in.

• Ensure the effective delivery of high-quality care, support and housing management according to Homeless Oxfordshire policies and procedures.

• To work collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure the creation and delivery of holistic wrap around support and risk management plans for clients with complex needs as well as to ensure clients have access to appropriate healthcare as needed.

• To work collaboratively with clients to identify and work towards suitable move on.

• To work with other agencies to provide client centred support & risk management plans for clients with complex needs to identify work towards a suitable move on option within 6 weeks.

• To work alongside the Client Engagement Co-Ordinator to ensure clients have access to opportunities to be empowered, build their confidence and develop independent living skills; to facilitate groups and activities as part of this.

• To make and maintain Housing Benefit claims.

• Ensure that IT systems are updated as required clear, concise and up to date record keeping is maintained and ensure information is shared with the team and external agencies as required.

• To represent Homeless Oxfordshire at interagency meetings, as required.

• Manage challenging situations and report any safeguarding concerns without delay in line with procedures and to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

• Maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders.

• Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best.

• To be a supportive and effective part of the team, including contributing to the induction of new colleagues and work of the broader team.

• To ensure that Homeless Oxfordshire’s Equal Opportunities Policies are complied with and promoted in carrying out duties of the post.

• Comply with Homeless Oxfordshire’s policies and procedures.

• To undertake any other duties that can be reasonably required to meet the operational needs of Homeless Oxfordshire.

About Us:

We are an open door for people experiencing homelessness whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage; providing safety, stability and support when it is needed most. We deliver this support across Oxfordshire by providing a range of accommodation with access to high quality support, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to take control of their own lives. We are an accredited Oxford Living Wage employer, and benefits to the role include: annual leave starting at 26 days (excluding bank holidays), flexible working, enhanced benefits with qualifying service, retail discounts with our Homeless Oxfordshire Benefits Hub, and life assurance up to four times your salary and a £250 bonus if you successfully refer a someone as a new colleague through our Employee Referral Scheme as a thanks from us!

What’s Next: Have a look at the job description to find out more about the role and apply on our website. Please be aware that this role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check and will be undertaken for the successful candidate .

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we identify a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

Location: Coventry and Warwickshire (travel across the area, home based for administration).

Salary: £24500 - £29.500 per year pro-rata. 

Contract Type: Permanent 

Position Type: Full time 

All applications by Midnight 10 April 2026 ; however, we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date. 

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?   

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?  

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?  

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.  

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Coventry and warwickshire. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential.

About us  

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.  

About you 

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support. 

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance. 

How will you make a difference? 

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support. 

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.  

Professional Development? 

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in. 

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution

Salary sacrifices pension scheme

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc

24/7 Employee Assistance programme

Access to remote counselling service

Paid Disability Leave

Paid compassionate Leave

Home Working Allowance 

Support with continuous professional development

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development 

Personal Development Plans

How are staff supported to work remotely?

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs). 

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

How to apply 

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.  

Important Dates: 

Closing date for applications; Midnight 10th April 2026 

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

NB: If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training.  

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

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

We are seeking a dedicated and adaptable professional to manage a caseload of up to 20 clients, supporting individuals with mental health conditions into meaningful employment using the IPS model. The ideal candidate will work closely with clinical teams, contribute to multi-disciplinary care planning, and build strong relationships with employers to tailor job opportunities. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential for managing referrals, job retention support, and compliance with NHS and Hestia protocols. The role also requires accurate KPI tracking, benefit guidance, and flexibility to work across various settings. A commitment to professional development, collaboration, and client-centred outcomes is key.​

What do I need to bring with me?

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

Someone who is a self starter and comfortable with a lone working environment, you will have strong empathy skills and an eye for detail. You should have experience of supporting people in a job search and have made an impact on this. To succeed you would need to have worked in a target environment and used to meeting and exceeding targets.

Interview Steps

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

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

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

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

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

We are a disability confident employer

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

Safeguarding Statement

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

Important Information for Candidates

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

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

LGBTQ+ Adult Project Worker 

Responsible to: Communications and Engagement Manager 

Hours: Part time 6 hours 

Salary: £13.45 per hour 

Based: Fenny Stratford + outreach across Milton Keynes (for which travel expenses are paid) 

Contract: Fixed term for 12 months (potential extension, subject to funding) 

Closing Date: 23:59 on 8th April 2026

Interview Date: Tuesday 14th April 2026

Context 

Q:alliance provides support, information and representation for LGBTQ+ people who live, work and socialise in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. Our goal is to create safe, welcoming spaces and accessible resources to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community is visible, represented and supported. 

Scope 

The Adult Project Worker will facilitate up to three weekly provisions for LGBTQ+ adults, working collaboratively within the team to develop activities that reduce isolation, create opportunities for belonging, and strengthen participation within the LGBTQ+ community in Milton Keynes. 

Sessions may take place at our centre in Fenny Stratford or at community locations across Milton Keynes, including Central Milton Keynes. Due to the nature of community-based group provision, most sessions take place during evenings, with some weekend working required to support community events and activities. 

Main Responsibilities  

• Support, information and empowerment – Develop and deliver resources, activities and events within group programmes. Create welcoming, safe and enjoyable environments where community members feel respected and included. Provide light-touch support and appropriate signposting to relevant services, and liaise with stakeholder organisations that support our community. 

• Co-production – Encourage meaningful involvement from beneficiaries in shaping activities and services. Support individuals to take on participatory roles within the organisation, such as co-chairing sessions or contributing to programme development. Seek innovative ways to embed community voice within service delivery. 

• Inclusivity – Ensure that services remain welcoming and accessible to a diverse range of LGBTQ+ people. Support activities that reflect varied perspectives, experiences and identities within the community. 

• Data capture and intelligence - Support Q;alliance’s commitment to sustaining a contemporary data and monitoring mechanism, guaranteeing we can deliver thorough evaluations of our services and competent feedback to our funders and stakeholders on the efficacy of our work.

Skills and Experience  

Expertise 

• Experience supporting individuals or facilitating group activities 

• Ability to plan, deliver and evaluate a diverse range of activities

• Knowledge of the challenges affecting the LGBTQ+ community 

• Understanding of mental health and approaches to building resilience 

• The ability to follow policy and procedures in relation to recognising, recording, and responding to safeguarding concerns and liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality 

• Confidence to plan and lead activities independently and work as part of a team 

Communication 

• A general level of education evidencing good literacy skills and record keeping 

• A confident and engaging communication style 

• Ability to motivate and inspire participants

• Confidence communicating with partner and stakeholder organisations

Behaviours 

• Demonstrates clear professional boundaries

• Passionate about equality and the rights of LGBTQ+ people 

• Commitment to co-production and community involvement

• An ability to listen with empathy and act with compassion

• Model conduct essential for successful teams, such as reliability, honesty and courage 

Desirable (non-essential)  

• Qualifications and training in mental health first aid, or the desire to gain relevant qualifications. 

• Data, monitoring, and impact training, including up to date GDPR certificate (2 years) 

• LGBTQ+ lived experience

• Volunteer management experience

• Full UK Driving License

Other 

• Ability to work flexibly 

• Commitment to further personal development and training

• This role involves working with members of the community and may involve contact with adults who could be considered vulnerable. As part of our commitment to safeguarding, the successful applicant will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Appointment to the post will be subject to satisfactory DBS clearance and references.

• We are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals from underrepresented communities within the LGBTQ+ community and those with lived experience of marginalisation 

What you’ll bring to the team 

You will work collaboratively with the adult services team to strengthen Q:alliance’s adult provision and ensure that our services continue to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. 

The role will contribute to creating safe and welcoming spaces in line with Q:alliance’s Safer Spaces policy, helping ensure consistency and quality across our different adult programmes. 

All staff are required to adhere to Q:alliance safeguarding policies and procedure 

The Adult Project Worker will have responsibility for the following documents. 

• Session registers and monitoring data 

• Overview and evaluation forms 

• Basic activity reports where required 

Family Support Worker – Thames Valley

£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)

Thames Valley and surrounding areas.

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Thames Valley Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Thames Valley Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a stressful and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

This role covers Thames Valley and surrounding areas. The role does require travel, however you have the freedom to plan your own diary around the demands of both the families you are working with, your team, and also any personal appointments you may need to attend.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We are a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Company car for front line care posts

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Time off in Lieu

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme, we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be their best and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, introduction to play, drawing and talking training.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

Please visit our website and apply online.

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Thames Valley Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

HOME WORKING (with occasional travel to Wirral locations for training/shadowing/forums)

MAIN PURPOSE

To help people who are making a new Universal Credit claim, working across a variety of channels including telephone, web-chat and video conferencing.

Role overview:

• Use listening and questioning skills to interview clients so they can explain their problems. Empower them to set their own priorities

• Research and explore options and implications so that clients can make informed decisions

• Enable clients to use IT to make their new Universal Credit claim

• Complete benefit checks where appropriate

• Act for the client where necessary using appropriate communication skills and channels

• Refer internally or to other specialist agencies as appropriate

• Ensure that all work meets quality standards and the requirements of the funder

• Ensure that work reflects the Citizens Advice service’s equality and diversity strategy

• Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation

• Support research and campaigns work through various channels including case studies, data collection and client consent

• Keep up to date with legislation, policies and procedures and undertake appropriate training

• Use telephone and IT equipment for multichannel delivery of advice services including webchat

• Attend relevant internal and external meetings as needed. 

• Prepare for and attend supervision sessions/team meetings/staff meetings as appropriate.

• Ensure GDPR compliant training is completed on an annual basis.

• Ensure all work conforms to Citizens Advice Wirral’s systems and procedures.

• Adhere to the aims and policies of Citizens Advice.

• Abide by health and safety guidelines and take steps to ensure your own safety and that of colleagues.

• Recognise the importance of safeguarding procedures within the organisation. Ensure that any concerns, disclosures or allegations of abuse are immediately reported, following the correct procedure.

• To attend occasional out of hours events in conjunction with the work of Citizens Advice Wirral and participate in fund-raising activities.

• Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service. 

UNIVERSAL CREDIT HELP TO CLAIM ADVISER ROLE: Person Specification

Essential Criteria: 

1 - Level 2 qualifications (GCSE or equivalent)  in maths and English with the ability to interpret statistics, calculate benefits and complete financial statements as well as write up accurate case notes, letters and reports. 

2 - A knowledge of welfare benefits and a willingness to develop detailed knowledge of Universal Credit within the first 2 months of employment.

3 - Experience of using a range of IT systems and packages and a willingness to embrace new technologies e.g. to give advice over webchat and help clients with their online application.

4 - Excellent communication skills and confidence on the telephone, with the ability to question, interview and assess clients in order to get to the root of the issues.

5 - Ability and willingness to work as part of a team and also to develop and maintain positive working relationships with external stakeholders e.g. colleagues at the Job Centre.

6 - A flexible approach as and when required by client needs and the organisational skills to manage a complex workload. Flexibility to work out of hours if required.

7 - Ability to monitor and maintain standards for advice provision and quality assurance.

8 - A commitment to both the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service and also to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable 

9 - Experience of working within the area of Universal Credit and an existing knowledge of criteria for eligibility.

10 - Demonstrate an awareness of issues facing vulnerable clients, many with mild-moderate mental health problems.

Interview date: 27/04/26

Interview location: Birkenhead, Wirral

Citizens Advice Wirral is part of the Disability Confident scheme. We're taking positive action by providing interviews to candidates who have a registered disability - provided they meet the minimum skills for the role. We'll ask you whether you are eligible when you apply, so if you'd like to be considered for this scheme, all you need to do is let us know in your application.

At Citizens Advice Wirral we use role-specific situational questions as part of our recruitment process. These are designed to help us understand how applicants would approach scenarios they are likely to encounter in the role. Applications are assessed on the quality, relevance and authenticity of responses, and the extent to which answers demonstrate the applicant’s own judgement, reasoning and experience.

We use AI screening tools to support the review process. Where answers appear overly generic or do not clearly reflect an applicant’s own thinking or decision-making, this may affect how strongly the answer scores against the marking criteria.

If you require assistive technology or other support to complete your application, or need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. 

Salary: £33,000 per annum pro rata
Hours: 22.5 hours over 3 days per week, must be available to work Tuesdays
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Birmingham 
Reports to: Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist 

THE CHARITY 
Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle. 

James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it. 

James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected.  We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 5,100 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.

In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham. Our new centre in Birmingham will be there to support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.

THE OPPORTUNITY 
We are expanding our newly established team of clinicians to deliver our clinical proven intervention at our new James’ Place centre in Birmingham. As a Suicide Prevention Therapist, you will be an experienced mental health professional or therapist with demonstrable interest in suicide prevention. You will support men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis and their supporter(s), delivering our unique intervention and co-producing effective safety plans to maintain their safety. Successful applicants will be joining a new team at a pivotal time and will have the opportunity to shape the local culture at James’ Place Birmingham. Training and support will be provided by the Head of Centre in Birmingham and the wider James’ Place team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
Clinical

• Conduct initial Welcome Assessments with men in a suicidal crisis, assessing risk and the suitability of the James’ Place intervention and co-producing effective safety plans 
• Deliver our therapeutic intervention, building trust and exploring the reasons for crisis
• Use the Lay Your Cards on the Table intervention to encourage men to talk about and explore their feelings, attitudes and behaviours and develop positive coping strategies 
• Take full clinical responsibility of the men under James’ Place care, as a member of the clinical team and in consultation with Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist and Head of Centre when needed
• Escalate care to appropriate services when necessary, including emergency services and secondary mental health teams 
• Deliver one-off guidance sessions to supporters of men under the James’ Place care
• Work collaboratively with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care
• Demonstrate self-awareness and regularly dedicate time and space, inside and outside of work, to keeping yourself well 
• Undergo clinical supervision with a qualified supervisor to reflect on clinical work and raise any issues or concerns arising from work
• Remain up to date with developments in law, theories and research 
• Engage in peer support sessions, caseload discussions and Reflective Practice with the team
• Contribute to an environment in which confidentiality, privacy and dignity are respected and be clear with clients about limits of confidentiality
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards
• Complete session notes in a timely and effective manner 
• Participate in continuous professional development and engage in training provided both internally and externally 
• Support the Clinical Administration team as and when necessary 
• Support with the creation and facilitation of a Peer Support Group once James’ Place Birmingham is well-established 

Outreach and Engagement

• Support the local management team to increase contact with local community organisations able to refer to us or offer move on support for men completing our intervention
• Support the fundraising team to bring potential supporters into our building and showcase our work, including the facilitation of events

Values

• Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work

PERSON SPECIFICATION
The role requires someone with a relevant qualification who can confidently support men experiencing a suicidal crisis. You will need to be able to effectively conduct risk assessments and deliver our clinically proven therapeutic intervention to ensure client safety. Strong therapeutic communication, the ability to work autonomously and teamwork skills are also essential to this role, as well as the ability to build trust and hope. 

Essential
Qualification(s)

• A Core Profession such as Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker, counselling or practitioner psychologist registered with NMC, HCPC, or Social Work England

or

• Accreditation as a psychological therapist, psychotherapist, or counsellor registered with BACP, UKCP, BABCP or equivalent, or have completed training and awaiting accreditation

You must hold a relevant qualification to be considered for this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable experience working with adults experiencing acute psychological distress
• Demonstrable knowledge of social and other factors which could lead to suicidal thinking and actions
• Demonstrable knowledge of the factors contributing to male suicide
• Evidence of being able to deliver a therapeutic session and work in a therapeutic environment  
• Effective communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to manage difficult situations
• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions
• An ability to collaborate with clients in the development of a person centred, individual intervention plan
• An ability to engage clients in the intervention plan, overcoming barriers to communication
• Ability to conduct effective risk assessments and collaborative safety plans with men who are presenting with high risk of suicide, or be willing and able to learn how to do so
• Ability to identify if the James’ Place service is not adequate to maintain the person’s safety and facilitate rapid transfer to the most appropriate service 
• Ability to maintain boundaries within a time-limited intervention 
• Ability to work as an effective team member
• Ability to manage and prioritise own workload, using own initiative and confidence in decision making
• Strong time management
• Ability to maintain up to date client records in line with James’ Place standards
• Ability to maintain own personal safety and the safety of others within the centre
• Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding Procedures

Values

• Commitment to clinical supervision 
• Ability to engage with James’ Place values 
• Ability to promote people’s equality, diversity and rights 
• Ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate commitment to co-production
• Ability to be transparent, honest and show discretion when needed 
• Commitment to suicide prevention and working with men in a suicidal crisis 

WE OFFER

• A 7% employer contributory pension scheme
• Family friendly policies
• Death in service insurance scheme 
• 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period 

LEARN MORE
If you would like to learn more about working for James' Place, sign up to our online recruitment information session on Wednesday 8th April at 6:30pm - 7:15pm

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please use the online application system to submit your CV detailing your experience, roles and responsibilities, and answer the three screening questions. Please note, you do not need to upload a cover letter for this role. 

If you have any queries or experience challenges with the application process, please contact us directly. 

Closing date: Friday 1st May, 5pm

Interviews are expected to be held in person on 12th and 13th May.

Our aim is to recruit a team of clinicians who are representative of the communities of men who will access treatment at James' Place Birmingham. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those who have experience in delivering therapy within culturally diverse communities, particularly in widely spoken languages within those communities. 

James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.

Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.

REF-227 718

As Senior Corporate Partnerships Executive, you will play a key role in our high-value partnership activity, working with Managers in the team to support delivery of core activity, while helping to ensure they are well managed, thoughtfully stewarded and positioned for long-term growth.

You will also support the delivery of mid-value partners, both fundraising and in-kind partnerships, identifying opportunities to deepen engagement and strengthen relationships wherever possible. Alongside this, you will contribute to team-wide projects across Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy & Partnerships, helping us to plan, collaborate and progress towards our wider organisational goals.

By building strong internal and external relationships, you will support seamless partnership delivery and help us create meaningful collaborations that benefit both partners and the Charity.

This is a rewarding and varied role for someone who is organised, relationship-focused and passionate about working with others to create meaningful partnerships.

About You

You will be a relationship‑driven team player with experience in corporate partnerships. Collaborative and proactive, you will enjoy building strong relationships, managing multiple priorities and working with others to deliver successful and meaningful partnerships.

You will bring:

• Proven success in corporate fundraising or relationship management, ideally within the charity sector.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, analytical and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A collaborative, solution‑focused approach and the confidence to work both independently and as part of a high‑performing team.

Why join us?

We’re a values-driven charity committed to saving lives by funding world-leading research, treatment, and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious and kind team, with plenty of opportunities for learning and development.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary of £33,000-£35,000
• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes
• Opportunities for training and career development.

Inclusion matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

​Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

GMRC is a registered charity working with adult women who are victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

GMRC is seeking a highly skilled, trauma informed and compassionate Senior Counsellor to join our therapeutic services team. This is a crucial role offering specialist counselling to women affected by rape and sexual abuse, while also contributing to the leadership, development and quality assurance of our counselling service.

As Senior Counsellor, you will deliver high‑quality, trauma‑informed one‑to‑one counselling, carry out assessments, manage a clinical caseload, and provide guidance to volunteer and trainee counsellors. You will work closely with the Counselling and Services Manager to support service coordination, safeguarding, risk management and continuous service improvement.

We are looking for someone who brings strong clinical experience, deep understanding of trauma and gender‑based violence, and a genuine commitment to empowering survivors. You will be organised, reflective, emotionally resilient, and confident working both independently and as part of a team. This role plays a vital part in ensuring our therapeutic services remain safe, accessible, inclusive and survivor‑centred.

If you are passionate about supporting survivors, committed to high‑quality trauma‑informed practice, and ready to make a meaningful difference, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help ensure women across Greater Manchester receive the safety, support and healing they deserve.

PLEASE NOTE

this role is restricted to female applicants under the Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010)

Benefits:

- Generous annual leave (30 days a year exc. BH)

- Pension contributions

- Free on-site parking

#counsellor #counselling

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in East Ridings.  Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service
• 5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution
• Salary sacrifices pension scheme
• Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)
• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc
• 24/7 Employee Assistance programme
• Access to remote counselling service
• Paid Disability Leave
• Paid compassionate Leave
• Home Working Allowance 
• Support with continuous professional development
• Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development 
• Personal Development Plans

How are staff supported to work remotely

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs). 

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midnight, 7th April 2026

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Our Vacancy

Join Peabody’s Islington Mental Health Services and make a real difference. You’ll provide high-quality support to people with a history of serious mental illness, helping them live independently and thrive.

What You’ll Do

Work collaboratively with customers to promote recovery, build life skills, and support access to housing, income, and wellbeing. You’ll deliver person-centred, trauma-informed care and help customers achieve their goals.

What You’ll Bring

• A genuine passion for delivering excellent customer service.
• Kindness, empathy, and an appreciation for diversity.
• Experience in support planning and risk assessment.
• Understanding of mental health best practices and safeguarding.
• Confidence working with people who have a Dual Diagnosis – those who have a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. 
• Knowledge and experience of the Recovery Model and Trauma-Informed Care.

Why Join Us?

When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values, Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

What We Offer 

• 25 days’ annual holiday, plus bank holidays
• two additional paid volunteering days each year 
• flexible benefits scheme, including family friendly benefits and access to a discount portal 
• 4 x salary life assurance
• up to 10% pension contribution

Please read before applying:

• Your eligibility - you must be eligible to work in the UK and able to work the full contracted hours of 37.5 hours per week. 
• This role will require an enhanced DBS check.

If this sounds like we are right for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, we’d like to hear from you. Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Interviews will be ongoing until Wednesday 8th April
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

PLEASE NOTE: As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer.

Job Title: Legal Project Officer

Organisation: Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA)

Duration: Four years 

Location: Hybrid / London (our anchor day is in London on a Tuesday, and there are often evening meetings in London, with occasional other travel within the UK) 

Reports to: Legal Officer and Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice

Annual leave: 25 days per annum, plus bank holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year off. 

Salary: £31,000 to £33,000 per annum starting salary, depending on skills and experience, NB. pension is 5% of salary

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, plus 1 hour lunch break (NB. evening working is required to attend any scheduled evening meetings, which ordinarily finish no later than 7pm). 

Application deadline: 11:30pm on Saturday 25 April 2026

Interviews are anticipated to be held on 14 and 15 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Friday, 1 May 2026..

Applications from individuals only – no agencies. Please do not use artificial intelligence in completing your application form.

Please submit a completed ILPA application form and equalities monitoring form as a Word document or in another editable format. If an application is not submitted in this format, it will not be considered. 

About the Role

The Legal Project Officer coordinates two projects which sit at the heart of ILPA’s legal policy and strategic legal coordination work.

The Legal Project Officer will work closely with the Legal Team (Legal Director and Legal Officer) to run ILPA’s Working Groups and with the Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice in a key role to coordinate strategic legal advice and litigation. The Legal Project Officer also works closely with the rest of the ILPA Secretariat, including the Chief Executive, Content and Digital Channels Manager, Training Manager, and with Trustees, ILPA and SLAC members, the SLAC Steering Committee and convenors of ILPA’s Working Groups.

You will support the organisation and running of ILPA’s thematic Working Groups, which provide a valuable forum for ILPA members to share best practice and discuss issues of current importance, assisting with agenda-setting, presenting updates, following-up on action points, answering queries, and preparing meeting summaries. The overall aim of these activities is to improve immigration, asylum and nationality law, policy and practice. 

You will work with the Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice to develop partnerships with NGOs and legal professionals around the UK and to coordinate all Strategic Legal Advice Committee (SLAC) meetings. These meetings will be held online, across the UK. Each SLAC group will hold four meetings per year as well as emergency meetings where necessary. You will be responsible for the minute taking of all SLAC meetings. You will work with the Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice to set member-led meeting agendas, identify member training needs, facilitate training, update the SLAC website, and feed in to monitoring and evaluation of the project. You will be responsible for coordinating SLAC Steering Committee meetings.

About you

The position would suit a self-motivated individual who is passionate about the sector and is looking to further their career in the immigration world, through coordinating and organising these two projects at ILPA.

You may be keen to be working at the heart of the systemic changes following Brexit, recent significant legislation, including the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, Illegal Migration Act 2023, Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024, Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, and government initiatives to “reduce net migration” such as the increased Minimum Income Requirement for family visas, the suspension of the refugee family reunion route, and earned settlement and family returns proposals. 

You will have an interest in strategic litigation and how it can be used to protect and promote the rights of those discriminated against on the basis of their migration status. You will be passionate about being involved in the coordination of a unique and exciting project that brings the third and legal sectors together in developing strategic litigation. 

Given the complexity of immigration, asylum and nationality law, we do not expect applicants to have expertise in every area, but an understanding of the law and excellent critical analysis skills are key. Any successful applicant will be able to attend ILPA training to further their knowledge.

Main responsibilities

1. To liaise, work with, and gather evidence from ILPA and SLAC members to support advocacy and knowledge-sharing in the sector;

2. To coordinate and contribute to internal and external meetings;

3. To coordinate ILPA’s thematic working groups and SLAC meetings, including by attending evening meetings, agenda-setting, participating, drafting minutes/meeting summaries, and working with the Secretariat, ILPA’s thematic Working Group co-convenors, and SLAC’s Steering Committees to take forward agreed actions;

4. To handle queries relevant to ILPA’s thematic Working Groups and SLAC sent by members and others where appropriate, such as by forwarding these on to relevant individuals and drafting responses;

5. To manage SLAC’s Steering Committees;

6. To monitor, organise, and disseminate information, communications, and updates, which will often relate to law, policy, and litigation relevant to SLAC and ILPA’s thematic Working Groups

7. To assist with facilitating SLAC training events, and feed into the monitoring and evaluation.

Person Specification

Essential knowledge, experience, skills, and qualities:

1. A law degree, postgraduate qualification in law, or other relevant qualification in law; 

2. Experience of working in or with immigration, asylum and nationality law in the UK, such as in a caseworker or paralegal role;

3. Experience of building and managing effective professional relationships with a range of people, with demonstrable ability to communicate effectively in challenging situations;

4. Relevant legal knowledge, skills and judgment, including:

   1. an ability to navigate and understand the Immigration Rules and Government guidance,

   2. a general understanding of UKVI processes, and

   3. an ability to clearly communicate legal and technical information orally and in writing;

5. Excellent attention to detail;

6. Excellent planning, coordination, organisational, time management, strategic problem-solving and independent working skills, including:

   1. an ability to take a proactive approach to independent working, 

   2. managing workstreams effectively, 

   3. confidently taking responsibility for tasks and decisions, 

   4. meeting tight deadlines, and 

   5. taking a calm and diligent approach to problem solving;

7. Commitment to the principles of a non-racist, non-sexist, just, and equitable system of immigration, asylum and nationality law; 

8. Commitment to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and taking a proactive approach to espousing these principles; and

9. Commitment to be a champion of ILPA by positively encouraging your team, identifying and encouraging opportunities for growth, and celebrating success.

About the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association

The Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) is a charity and a professional association the majority of whose members are barristers, solicitors, advocates and IAA (previously OISC) regulated advisers practising in all aspects of immigration, asylum and nationality law. Academics, non-governmental organisations and individuals with a substantial interest in the law are also members.

Founded in 1984 by leading practitioners in the field, ILPA exists to promote and improve advice and representation in immigration, asylum and nationality law, through an extensive programme of training and disseminating information and by providing research and opinion that draw on the experiences of members. ILPA is represented on numerous government, official and non-governmental advisory groups and regularly provides evidence to parliamentary and official inquiries.

The Secretariat does not give advice to members of the public on individual cases but works closely with members to ensure that they are enabled to do their best for their clients. It runs ILPA’s busy training programme and produces a wide range of information for members and non-members.

The objectives of ILPA are:

• To promote the advising and representation of immigrants;

• To provide information to members and others on domestic and European immigration, asylum and nationality law; and

• To secure a non-racist, non-sexist, just and equitable system of immigration, asylum and nationality law practice.

ILPA is an equal opportunities employer. We acknowledge that the legal and charitable sector can be less accessible to people from minoritised or racialised communities and people from less privileged socio-economic backgrounds. We are committed to unsettling the status quo. In this role you will wear many hats and we recognise that the successful candidate may not have all the skills and experience listed in the personal specification. We welcome an application from you if you can see yourself in this role and have an appetite to gain new skills, knowledge, and experience. We encourage applications from individuals who have lived experience of the UK immigration or asylum system or of the hostile environment.

We also encourage applications from people who have previously unsuccessfully applied for roles at ILPA. We will consider each application afresh. We appreciate that individuals are always learning, growing, and adding to their knowledge and experience.

About the ILPA Team 

You would be joining a small team, of around 10 team members. Under our current hybrid work policy, we have one anchor day (currently a Tuesday), in which you will be expected to work from an office setting in London, together with team members living in England and Scotland. On average, once a month, there will be a Working Group meeting in the evening that you will need to run in London. The rest of the time you will ordinarily work remotely or wherever conferences, training events, or meetings might take place. 

SMART CJS – Trust and Foundations Bid Writer

Role Overview

Are you committed to supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping?

Are you proactive with a positive attitude?

Job Title: Trust and Foundations Bid Writer (with some responsibility for corporate fundraising)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Working from our office in central Bedford, with some provision for remote working.

About SMART CJS

Founded in 1997, we are a charity that provides safe spaces for people who are facing or experiencing homelessness, are rough sleeping or have fallen on tough times. As times have changed, our services have adapted and grown, but we’ve always kept the people we support at the centre of all that we do. We believe that everyone needs a little help sometimes and, with trust, respect and honesty, people can make incredible changes. Our vision is to transform communities so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. Our mission is to provide safe spaces to work with vulnerable people within our communities, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.

Why Join Us?

We believe in diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Benefits include:

• 27 days Annual Leave (rising to 30 after 3 years) + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Generous Pension scheme (after successfully completing a probation period)
• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• Access to a Charity Worker Discount scheme
• Access to the company health and wellbeing service including support with mental health, legal advice and more
• Access to an online GP service

We require all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This job description will be supplemented by annual objectives which will be developed in conjunction with the post holder.

The Role

SMART CJS is looking to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Bid Writer. The successful candidate will also have some responsibility for corporate fundraising with businesses based in Bedford and beyond; this responsibility will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

The main responsibility, though, will be to generate income by writing bids to charitable trusts and foundations, and to statutory funders.

The role will include researching and identifying charity trusts and similar bodies which are able to make an award to SMART. It will also include keeping abreast of developments in fundraising in the charity sector as a whole, especially in the field of grant awarding and, to a lesser extent, of corporate giving.

There will be a probationary period for the role. As it generally takes six months for a grant to be awarded (though some arrive more quickly), the probationary period will need to be for a minimum of seven months, though its precise duration can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Training will be given; the scope of the training will depend on the candidate’s previous experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join SMART’s friendly and dedicated team. You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively; the role is primarily self-directed. We envisage that you’ll be working primarily from our offices in Prebend Street, Bedford, though you'll be able to work from home for some of the time as well. Given the nature of our work, personal resilience is important; some of the stories we use when applying for funding can be emotionally challenging.

Our fundraising comes from regular gifts, donations from the community (individuals and groups), and corporate bodies (businesses). The majority of our fundraising income comes from grants. There will be a realistic target for the amount you need to raise; this will reflect the performance for grant applications in the charity sector as a whole and it will not be unrealistic. Fundraising is not an exact science; the assessment of performance against the targets will be fair and reasonable. The final responsibility for SMART’s fundraising rests with the trustees; they appreciate and understand the complexity of the issues involved.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will work closely with the CEO, the Chair of Trustees, the Head of Business and the fundraising team. The post involves gathering information, writing the bids, tracking the progress of submissions, and reporting back to grant awarders on how their money has been spent, if they require this.

There will also be a responsibility for corporate fundraising. This will involve building relationships with businesses in and beyond the Bedford area. The responsibility for this will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Bid Writing

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with SMART’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with service leads and front line teams to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor the applications to the funder’s criteria, using storytelling effectively.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Maintain and build relationships with key funders, providing timely reports and updates on grant-funded work.
• Work to realistic targets and be able to provide feedback on these.
• Organisational Development and Support
• Contribute to the strategic development of SMART’s income generation plans.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly reporting on funding performance to the Head of Business and to the Chair of Trustees.
• Represent SMART CJS at funding briefings, webinars, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in SMART’s performance management and appraisal process.
• Attend the monthly meetings of the Fundraising Committee (a sub‑committee of the Board of Trustees).
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the CEO, the Head of Business or the Chair of Trustees.

Person Specification

Whether you’re already an experienced bid-writer, or whether you think this is something that you could learn to do effectively, we’d like to hear from you. You need to have excellent skills in written English and be able to write in prose that’s clear and readily understandable to the general reader. The criteria for each grant awarder are different; you need to be able to match your bid to what they would like to fund (homelessness, mental health, relief of poverty, women’s issues and so on). You need, then, to tell SMART’s story in a way which appeals to each funder.

You need to have excellent inter-personal skills and be able to work as part of a team. While there is a strong element of self-direction in the role, you need to be able to work closely with senior management and also with the trustees; the trustees have the final responsibility for fundraising in the charity.

You will need, too, to have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to have a genuine interest in homelessness and the work of the charity, and a commitment to improving our clients’ lives and wellbeing.

Role Details & Staff Benefits

Salary: £51,500 gross per annum

Duration: Fixed-term until 31st July 2027

Hours: 0.8 - 1 FTE (4 – 5 days per week)

Location: Hybrid – NASP has an office space at London's Southbank Centre which can be used by staff at any time. The role will be expected to work up to 2 days per week in the office with the remainder at home. There may also be additional occasional travel required for staff days and other events.

NASP offer a range of core benefits for staff on payroll, including:

• 30 days paid annual leave per annum, plus Bank Holidays

• An additional day of paid leave per year on your birthday

• Opportunities for Volunteering & CPD days each year

• Opportunity to request flexible working arrangements, including compressed hours

• Contribution to annual eye test, eyeglass purchase, and flu vaccination

Purpose of This Role:

This is a strategic role, funded by the Sir Halley Stewart Trust, to shape future policy and practice in how faith communities support social prescribing for the benefit of local communities. This includes exploring the role of faith as a strategic partner in the government's neighbourhood health agenda. Building on the work of the current postholder, and previous work by NASP and organisations like Theos and the Good Faith Partnership, this role will take the lead at a national level by influencing, shaping and convening partners to unlock and unleash the significant resources of faith groups in contributing towards holistic healthcare delivered within the community.

The purpose of this role is to lead and co-ordinate NASP’s work on social prescribing with partners across the faith sector and enable a better understanding of how to work effectively with faith communities through social prescribing, and the role that faith and belief plays in supporting good health and wellbeing. The role will work to improve accessibility of community support through social prescribing by exploring the barriers and opportunities in faith communities and the health sector. The role will have a particular emphasis on health inequalities and explore opportunities for faith groups’ reach into deprived communities and ethnic minority communities, recognising that faith communities may be most trusted precisely where health inequalities are most acute.

The role sits in the National Leads & Evidence team, led by the Executive Director of Strategy and Partnerships. The postholder will work alongside NASP colleagues who lead on Healthcare integration; Evidence and Insights; International Social Prescribing; and connections with sectors that provide community activities and support such as the natural environment, physical activity, historic environment and arts and culture.

Person Specification:

Experience & Knowledge:

• Excellent knowledge of the health sector and/or the VCFSE (Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise) sector 

• Experience of working in a senior level role at the health and community interface that has included involvement with different faith groups or an understanding of their perspectives. This might be in a delivery or policy role.

• An appreciation of the role of the VCFSE sector in the health and wellbeing of the population and ideally an understanding of the changing healthcare landscape in England at national or local level.

• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities for faith organisations, health and care agencies, local authorities, VCFSE organisations and community groups.

• Excellent partnership building and interpersonal skills with experience of building trusting long-term relationships with partners and experience of inspiring, convening and supporting organisations to work in partnership.

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, both internally with peers and senior management, and externally with partners and stakeholders.

• Experience of planning and leading successful and innovative projects. Able to produce project plans and budgets and co-produce delivery plans with colleagues and partners, identifying risks and managing them together.

• Able to work independently in the role, while harnessing, contributing to, and shaping the work of the wider team, and the organisation.

• Experience in writing funding applications and developing new donor relationships to secure new funds would be an advantage. Willingness to do so will be essential.

Skills & Attributes:

• Affinity with NASP’s Values as defined in the NASP Strategic Plan

• A self-starter with a collaborative mindset.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to be proactive and spot new opportunities.

• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise work and be flexible in delivery.

Responsibilities:

Role Overview:

• Act as the faith lead within NASP, being the point of contact and key advocate for faith communities’ involvement in social prescribing, across all major traditions.

• Represent and develop faith groups’ engagement in NASP’s existing activities, programmes and events including workstreams in NASP to build the capacity of Social Prescribing Link workers (SPLWs); support the community assets that SPLW’s harness in their work; and connecting across different Government Departments to explore how social prescribing connects with strategies related to employment, youth, education and community cohesion.

• Have a specific focus of how faith communities can work with social prescribers to support those experiencing health inequalities.

• Support and inform the development of NASP’s wider workstreams and the implementation of its strategy.

• Lead and co-ordinate NASP’s national work on social prescribing with partners across the faith sector, including the Good Faith Partnership.

• Build understanding and awareness within NASP and across other sectors of what is required to support the effective provision of services, activities and information in the faith sector to promote health and wellbeing through social prescribing.

• Liaise with, and support, new and existing initiatives to build an evidence base for faith-based social prescribing.

• Convene and lead a national Faith and Social Prescribing Advisory Group, drawing together faith leaders, health system partners and VCFSE organisations to advise on priorities and act as ambassadors for social prescribing within faith communities.

• Ensure engagement of faith communities themselves in developing social prescribing strategy and policy, working with relevant partners.

• Provide high quality advice and insight on faith activity and services in support of NASP’s strategy development, communications and external briefings and meetings.

• Enable NASP’s healthcare integration team to support the strategic development of social prescribing into faith assets at Integrated Care System level and make the case for place-based investment.

• Map current tools, resources, guides and evidence and work with the Communications team to publish and promote these and to develop new resources.

• Build consensus on the key policies required for the scale and spread of social prescribing for faith communities across stakeholders; a joint vision of ‘good faith based SP’.

• Identify and shape partnership opportunities to secure additional funding and resources to help build capacity to enable future social prescribing activity to better support people’s health and wellbeing outcomes.

• Enable awareness raising, shared learning, training and best practice within the faith and health sector. This includes working with NASP's workforce development team and the Link Worker Advisory Group to integrate faith and social prescribing into information and training for Social Prescribing Link Workers.

• Support other areas of NASP’s work and strategy development. In particular, identify and harness commonalities with other sectors supporting social prescribing e.g. nature, arts and culture and heritage.

• Brief and advise the Board and Executive Leadership Team as needed.

• Budget Management - including day-to-day management, raising and processing payments and reporting.

Reporting To: Executive Director of Strategy & Partnerships