National practice leads jobs in Bishops stortford, essex

Ready to define what “good” looks like and make it real across our services?

Hft has turned a corner. After navigating a period of significant financial and operational challenge, we have delivered a major turnaround, reducing a £17 million deficit, stabilising our workforce, and restoring confidence across every level of the organisation.

Now, with a new and focused Executive Team working closely with our Senior Leadership Teams, clear governance, and a collective understanding of the need to embed sustainable improvement across all areas of the organisation, we are moving from recovery to transformation.

The Opportunity

You will lead the development and delivery of an integrated, organisation-wide approach to quality, safety, safeguarding and great practice. Your focus will be on ensuring people are supported to live safe, meaningful and aspirational lives. This role brings together quality assurance, safeguarding, safety and practice into a clear and consistent approach across a complex, national organisation.

You will drive and oversee quality, safety and governance systems that support them. You will maintain clear oversight of performance, risk and compliance, and provide assurance, insight and challenge to the Executive Team and the Board. You will ensure regulatory compliance, safeguarding, and health and safety systems are robust, responsive, and consistently upheld, but, importantly, rooted in the understanding that all of this is to make sure that the people supported have great lives.

Working closely with operational leaders, you will identify underperformance and support improvement. You will use data, audits, incidents, and feedback to generate insights and drive continuous improvement. You will also help shape a shared understanding of what great practice looks like across services.

If you have senior leadership experience across quality, safety, safeguarding and practice within a learning disability charity or social care provider, we would love to hear from you. Please refer to the candidate brief attachment for full details of the role.

Please note: This role is a Home-based position (travel 3 times per month to Bristol/other locations)

What you will bring to succeed in this role

Essential

• Senior leadership experience across quality, safety, safeguarding and practice within a large learning disability charity or social care provider
• Accountable experience of leading operational health and safety within a multi-site, CQC regulated care environment
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
• Experience of providing clear assurance and reporting on health and safety performance, risks and compliance to senior leadership and/or Board
• Communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work across organisational boundaries
• Experience embedding co-production and lived experience into organisational approaches
• Highly developed analytical skills and ability to use data to drive decisions
• Confident in leading change, improvement and cultural development

Selection Process

We will be shortlisting applications on an ongoing basis. If your application is shortlisted, we will invite you to a pre-screening interview with a member of the senior hiring team. If you are successful at this stage, the final assessment process will include a competency-based interview, a presentation, and the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders to get to know the team and Hft.

As part of our recruitment process, we are proud to include the voices of people with learning disabilities. You will meet them throughout the process, and they will play a key role in the final stages of selection. Their perspective shapes how we lead, listen and make decisions at Hft.

We anticipate the following timelines:

• Closing date: 9 June 2026
• Pre-screening interviews: 12, 15 or 16 June 2026
• Final assessment: 30 June 2026

We may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to recruiting people from diverse backgrounds and believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce helps us better support the people we work with to live their best lives. If there is anything we can do to support you to do your best during the application and selection process, please contact our recruitment team at Hft.

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records.

There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project.  We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.

This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including:  coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks. 

Main responsibilities

 Planning & strategy delivery

•  Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy
•  Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities
•  Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)
•  Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement
• Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.

Practical engagement and involvement

• Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups
• Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme.  To include, for example:
  • Managing and supporting Youth Advisors
  • Running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)
  • Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary
• Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK
• Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals
• Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers
• Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.

Team support

• Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
• Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
• Sharing examples of emerging good practice and impact across the research team.
• Line managing an Engagement and Involvement Officer

Wider

• Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider communities of practice
• Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
• Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.

Knowledge, skills and experience

 Essential criteria

Engagement and involvement

•  Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)
•  A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting
• Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement,  including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice
• Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including  marginalised and vulnerable groups
• Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration
• Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.

Other essential criteria

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.
• Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals
• Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
• Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)

Desirable criteria

• Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement
• Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience
• Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood
• Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks
• Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
• Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)

Dimensions

• This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available).

Please apply via CharityJob, making sure to answer the screening questions in full.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 31st May. 

Interviews are currently expected to be held Wednesday 1st/Thursday 2nd July.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration. 

Main Role & Responsibilities

The post holder is required to provide strategic leadership and oversight of all programme activity, ensuring all activity is delivered and evaluated effectively and in alignment with organisational goals.  

The successful candidate will lead and develop programme teams and oversee engagement, planning and delivery, and monitor risk and opportunities. They will develop strong relationships representing the organisation externally, and ensure programmes demonstrate clear impact and meet quality standards.

Role Requirements

Duties will include but not be limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Direction

• Lead all programme activity and ensure alignment with organisational goals
• Translate vision and strategic goals into actionable programme, content and priorities
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact
• Contribute to wider organisational strategy and oversee the operationalisation of strategic goals
• Work closely with other heads of services to support strategic development

Programme Development & Design

• Oversee the development and evolution of programmes, content, and resources
• Ensure programmes are evidence-based, relevant, and high quality, aligning with quality standards, working closely with the insights team
• Lead needs assessments and stakeholder consultations to understand programme needs
• Embed inclusivity, accessibility, and best practice in all programme design

Programme Delivery & Operations

• Oversee the planning, implementation and delivery of all programmes
• Develop systems, processes, and timelines for consistent execution
• Manage programme budgets and resource allocation
• Identify and mitigate risks to delivery
• Identify opportunities for commercialisation of products and services

Performance, Monitoring & Impact Measurement

• Define KPIs and success metrics aligned to organisational outcomes
• Analyse data to assess programme effectiveness and impact
• Use insights to drive continuous improvement and strategic decisions
• Report on performance to senior leadership, funders, and stakeholders

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

· Build and maintain strong relationships with:

• • Partners and collaborators
  • Funders and commissioners
  • Community or beneficiary groups
• Represent the organisation externally at meetings, events, and networks
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships to enhance programme reach

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the delivery leadership team
• Participate in strategic development and oversee work within delivery and impact portfolio
• Work closely with other heads of services to provide support to the SLT
• Set clear objectives, expectations, and performance standards
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture

Quality Assurance & Governance

• Ensure programmes meet quality standards and organisational policies
• Maintain compliance with relevant regulations and safeguarding requirements
• Oversee documentation, reporting, and accountability processes

Resource & Content Oversight

• Ensure the development of high-quality programme materials and resources
• Oversee content consistency, branding, and alignment with organisational values
• Ensure resources are accessible and effectively utilised

Financial Oversight

• Manage programme budgets and ensure cost-effective delivery
• Monitor expenditure and ensure alignment with funding requirements
• Support fundraising and contribute to funding proposals as required

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Work with Insight and Innovation team to stay informed of sector trends and best practices
• Encourage innovation in programme design and delivery
• Pilot and scale new approaches based on evidence and feedback

· Oversee development of all programmes and associated content and resources

Person Specification 

Essential

· Educated to degree level or have the equivalent experience

· A detailed understanding of education, Health and Social Care and family services and how to engage these sectors

· Confident leader with previous demonstrable experience in overseeing multiple programmes or portfolios with matrix management experience

· Proven track record of developing, delivering, and scaling programmes with measurable impact

· Experience working with a range of stakeholders, including partners, funders, and communities

· Experience managing budgets and resources effectively

· Experience of delivering regional and national programmes

· Strong understanding of programme design, delivery, and lifecycle management

· Understanding of partnership working and stakeholder engagement approaches

· Awareness of relevant policy, regulatory, and safeguarding requirements

· Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans

· Excellent planning, organisational, and project management skills

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex programmes simultaneously

· Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive continuous improvement

· Ability to define KPIs and measure programme success effectively

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships

· Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams through coaching and performance management

· Strong commitment to quality, impact, and continuous improvement

· Collaborative and inclusive leadership style

· High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism

· Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic and changing environment

· Passionate about the organisation’s mission and values

Desirable

· Experience of working in gambling harms prevention sector or another similar or related field

· Experience of operationalising strategic plans

· Experience in developing harm prevention programmes and or interventions

· Knowledge of sector trends, innovation, and best practice

· Leadership qualification

· An understanding of public health frameworks and approach to harm prevention

· An understanding of PSHE, PSE, Learning for Life and Work

Rare opportunity: Help those affected by road crashes and create lasting change with Brake, the renowned road safety charity.

Who we are: Brake is the national, acclaimed charity delivering the National Road Victim Service, a specialist, accredited, UK-wide support service for road victims, delivering case-managed care for anyone who has been bereaved or seriously injured in a road crash or who is supporting a road crash victim.

Not your average job: This is a highly specialised frontline role supporting people affected by traumatic road deaths and life-changing injuries. We are seeking candidates with a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and experience supporting people through the impact of traumatic bereavement and/or injury.

You will provide a specialist trauma-informed and bereavement-informed approach to care, helping individuals and families navigate the immediate and long-term impact of sudden loss or catastrophic injury. You will undertake a comprehensive needs, risk and safety assessment from which a bespoke support plan will be agreed with the person and/or families, ensuring that immediate wellbeing needs, vulnerabilities and safeguarding considerations are identified and addressed.

By joining this role, you will make a profound difference to individuals and families during their most difficult moments, helping them regain stability, access practical and emotional support, and navigate the complexities of the criminal justice or coronial process with guidance and care.

Take a look at our comprehensive job description for more details.

What we offer:

- A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day shutdown period between Christmas and New Year, pro-rata for part-time working patterns)

- Birthday day off (taken any time)

- Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave

- Death in service benefit

- Pension

- Employee Assistance Programme

- Flexible working

- A rewarding role with purpose

- Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees 

Who you are: We need energised and resilient self-starters with experience in supporting traumatic grief and post-traumatic stress. a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Experience in the following sectors often provides a robust toolkit of high-level transferable skills: Police or criminal justice roles, family liaison, counselling or trauma support, health and social care, casework in any related field

Specifically seeking candidates with:

- Experience with people affected by trauma, sudden bereavement, or serious injury

- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and ability to provide support sensitively

- Experience identifying and responding to safeguarding and vulnerability concerns

- Strong advocacy skills ability to act as a powerful voice for service users, expertly navigating external networks, assemble resources and cross-functional support where required.

About us: At Brake, we are committed to creating a truly inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and life experiences, and particularly encourage candidates from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disabilities to apply.

We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our work and enable us to deliver the best possible support to individuals and families affected by road trauma. As a proud Disability Confident employer, we don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it

If you are passionate about making a difference and share our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we want to hear from you.

Not for traffic offenders: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from traffic offenders. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at interview.

An enhanced DBS check is required due to the sensitive nature of our service.

Join us today and be part of the solution! 

Help Change the Future of Polycystic Kidney Disease Research

Patient & Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Manager

PKD Charity
Remote (UK-based) | Part-time (22.5 hours / 3 days per week)
Salary: £33,000–£35,000 FTE pro rata (£19,800–£21,000 actual)

The PKD Charity is looking for an exceptional communicator and relationship-builder to lead patient involvement in groundbreaking PKD research.

This is not a standard engagement role.

You will help ensure that the voices, experiences and priorities of people living with polycystic kidney disease directly influence research, clinical studies and future healthcare decisions across the UK.

PKD affects around 70,000 people in the UK. It causes kidney failure, lifelong health complications and reduced life expectancy. There is currently no cure.

We believe research is stronger when patients are genuinely heard — not consulted as an afterthought.

That’s where you come in.

The Opportunity

As our Patient & Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Manager, you’ll lead and shape involvement activity through the PKD Research Hub, working alongside patients, researchers, clinicians and partners to make research more inclusive, meaningful and impactful.

You’ll:

• Lead and support our Patient Involvement Panel
• Facilitate high-quality patient engagement and focus groups
• Work directly with researchers and industry partners
• Champion authentic lived experience in research decision-making
• Support awareness of clinical studies and research opportunities
• Create compelling patient stories and engagement content
• Help influence the future direction of PKD research in the UK

We’re Looking For Someone Who:

• Understands the power of meaningful patient involvement
• Can confidently manage relationships with patients, researchers and stakeholders
• Has experience in PPIE, health research, healthcare or the charity sector
• Is an excellent facilitator and communicator
• Brings empathy, professionalism and initiative
• Wants to make a tangible difference every single day

Experience in rare disease, kidney health or long-term conditions is welcomed but not essential.

Why Join Us?

At the PKD Charity, you’ll join a passionate national charity working to improve lives through:

• Research
• Advocacy
• Support
• Education
• Patient voice

This is a rare opportunity to shape a growing area of work with real national impact — while working flexibly as part of a supportive, mission-driven team.

What We Offer

✔ Fully remote working
✔ Flexible part-time hours (3 days / 22.5 hrs)
✔ 25 days annual leave pro rata + bank holidays
✔ Pension scheme
✔ Meaningful, purpose-driven work
✔ Opportunity to influence national research activity

Apply Now

For details on how to apply, please see the application pack.

Deadline 9am Monday 1st June. Interviews will provisionally be held online on Wednesday 10th June. However we will monitor applications on a rolling basis and may approach for interview at an earlier date. If we find the right candidate we may close the recruitment campaign at an earlier time, so we encourage you to get your applications in at the earliest opportunity.

Money & Energy Advice Service Lead

Pro rata salary: £39,825 (35 hour week)

Home-based, with travel as required

Up to 35 hours per week with occasional evenings and / or weekend work will be required

Permanent (subject to external funding)

Responsible for: 2.0 FTE Money & Energy Advisers

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced welfare benefits practitioner with a passion for sharing knowledge and enabling teams to deliver above and beyond.

With around 4 in 10 beneficiaries, we support seeking help with financial difficulties, this is a pivotal role for Kidney Care UK.

We are seeking a knowledgeable and confident specialist income maximisation activities for a role with three key parts: to lead a small team delivering benefits and energy advice and support directly to clients; to play a key role in upskilling and supporting our outstanding Patient Support team across the country; and to be the subject matter expert within Kidney Care UK.

Our external partners – British Gas Energy Trust have committed to fund our Money and Energy Service until March 2027. We are advertising this position as ‘permanent’ – we anticipate confirmation by December 2026 whether funding will be extended beyond March 2027.

This role is made possible thanks to the support of British Gas Energy Trust.

About Kidney Care UK

Around 3.5 million people in the UK live with chronic kidney disease, and one million of them don’t know that they do.

Since 1975, Kidney Care UK has been at the forefront of supporting people with kidney disease. From our early days when we campaigned to introduce donor cards in the UK, we have worked hard to support and represent the interests of everyone affected by kidney disease. 

About the Money & Energy Advice Service

The Money & Energy Advice Service (MEAS) provides information and support for welfare benefits and income maximisation and promotes awareness of efficient energy use. Working closely with Patient Support officers, MEAS provides specialist knowledge and directly supports clients to achieve sustainable financial outcomes. The service was established in 2023 with the support of British Gas Energy Trust and is embedded as a valued element of the many ways Kidney Care UK supports people affected by kidney failure.

What we offer

Working at Kidney Care UK is incredibly rewarding and you will see the life-changing impact that the charity has on kidney patients and their families:

• Flexi-time – we are flexible about start and finish times, and flexible about your location.
• Annual and Christmas leave – we offer 25 days annual leave for full time employees plus bank holidays. We also close for three days between Christmas and New Year, and you don’t need to take this from your annual leave allowance.
• Pension – you’ll be eligible for and auto-enrolled into a pension scheme where your employer will contribute 8% of your salary.
• Health cashback plan – ability to claim back a wide variety of routine medical treatments.
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to a wide variety of support including counselling, health resources and advice.
• Cycle2Work scheme

About Spear

We launched the award-winning Spear Programme over 20 years ago, and there are now 18 Spear Centres across the country, equipping unemployed 16–24-year-olds facing barriers to employment with the skills and mindset they need to secure work and thrive in the workplace.

Spear operates a joint venture model with churches across the UK to run our Spear Centres. Some Centres operate in collaboration with independent charitable trusts, while others are run directly with the local church (both referred to below as ‘Spear Church Partners’ or ‘Church Partners’).

About the role

We’re looking for a new Church Partnerships Manager to join us for this northern based role, with travel across the region.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in driving national growth by developing and nurturing partnerships with churches across the North of England. You will be at the forefront of developing new relationships with potential early-stage partners, inspiring churches to engage with our mission, and supporting them through the pipeline, and helping to establish a diverse and thriving network of church partnerships.

We are looking for a confident relationship-builder who can engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, particularly church leaders, and who is comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Key information:

• Salary: £37,000
• Location: Remote with once a month travel to London for team meetings and regular travel in the North of England
• Full-time, 12-14month Fixed Term Contract, with the possibility of extension
• Closing date: We interview on a rolling basis and will close the role early if we find the right candidate

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with Us Pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment
• Strong leadership ability with the confidence to make effective decisions
• Outstanding people skills and emotional intelligence, capable of quickly winning trust and confidence, as well as network, influence and negotiate with church leaders and a range of audiences, internally and externally
• An understanding of the needs and workings of churches and their leaders, and the ability to innovate, build our growth strategy and generate new partnerships
• An excellent communicator (both written and verbal)
• Excellent initiative and a self-starter, with the ability to operate flexibly in a changing and dynamic environment and in response to the support needs of each partner
• Strong organisational skills including the ability to establish appropriate processes and structures and to manage multiple priorities to meet targets and deadlines
• Strong quantitative skills including ability to work with and interpret impact data, fundraising pipelines and basic financial information
• Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint competent and experience of/ability to use databases

Bipolar UK are seeking a brilliant trainer to enable us to turn knowledge into Impact.

About Bipolar UK

Bipolar UK is the only national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by bipolar — including individuals, carers, families and loved ones. Over one million people in the UK live with bipolar disorder, yet many experience symptoms for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

We are entering an exciting new phase following the launch of our co‑produced three‑year strategy (2026–2029). Over the coming years, we will reach more people than ever before, expand access to self‑management support, and build understanding of bipolar across workplaces, services and communities.

At the heart of our work is the belief that people affected by bipolar are the experts in their own lives. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to ensuring our services are accessible, culturally responsive and shaped by lived experience.

Purpose of the Role

Our Trainer plays a vital role in helping people understand bipolar, reduce stigma, and build confidence to live well.

You will deliver:

• Eight‑week self‑management courses for people living with a bipolar diagnosis
• Bipolar awareness and workplace training for employers and professionals

You will also contribute to the ongoing development of training and psychoeducation, supporting our ambition to grow accredited and evidence‑informed learning programmes.

Training audiences are diverse and include individuals with lived experience, employees and managers, housing providers, community organisations, and statutory or criminal justice settings.

Through confident, compassionate and trauma‑informed facilitation, you will help create safe learning spaces, challenge stereotypes, and support greater engagement with Bipolar UK — particularly among communities who may not traditionally access mental health support.

Why join us?

This is a chance to shape how bipolar is understood across workplaces, communities and services — helping people move from diagnosis to confidence, and from stigma to understanding.

Key Responsibilities

Training Delivery

• Lead engaging, evidence‑informed bipolar awareness sessions for a wide range of audiences, delivered both online and in person.
• Deliver self‑management and psychoeducation workshops that support people affected by bipolar to live well and build confidence.
• Adapt delivery styles to meet different learning needs, levels of knowledge and lived experiences.

Content Development

• Develop, adapt and update training materials that are inclusive, accessible, trauma‑informed and culturally sensitive.
• Tailor content for different professional contexts and learning environments.
• Ensure language and materials reflect best practice in equity, diversity, inclusion and rights‑based approaches.
• Contribute to the development of training content suitable for future accreditation, including our psychoeducation programmes.

Engagement & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Bipolar UK staff and volunteers across the organisation.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with external partners and stakeholders.
• Support wider organisational work to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote understanding of bipolar.

Professional Practice & Safeguarding

• Represent Bipolar UK professionally and in line with our values, policies and safeguarding standards.
• Maintain clear professional boundaries, particularly when working in peer‑informed or lived‑experience‑led environments.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings and training to support high‑quality, reflective practice.

Person Specification

Essential

You can demonstrate:

• Significant experience delivering training, or group learning, with the ability to adapt style for different audiences.
• Confidence delivering sessions digitally, a longer-term development may include in-person, (flexibility around reasonable adjustments will be made).
• Strong awareness of mental health conditions and their impact, including bipolar disorder.
• Experience delivering self‑management, psychoeducation or wellbeing‑focused programmes.
• Have a clear understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion in learning environments.
• Ability to create and adapt accessible, inclusive training materials.
• Experience training professionals at varying levels of seniority.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Maintain accurate records of delivery, attendance and outcomes
• Gather participant feedback and contribute to continuous improvement of course materials and delivery methods
• Maintain excellent records throughout course delivery, whilst ensuring feedback and course evaluations are completed and developed.
• Confident user of Microsoft Office and willing to learn new software as required.
• Understanding/adherence to confidentiality/GDPR and also safeguarding policies and willing to undertake training as role requires.
• Co-ordinate promotion, scheduling, delivery and follow-up working close with colleagues in Services, Fundraising and Comms.
• Work with colleagues in Fundraising to further develop the Workplace Friendly Scheme
• Represent the charity professionally with external partners, employers and commissioners

 Desirable

• In‑depth understanding of bipolar disorder and its personal, social and economic impact.
• Experience working in the voluntary or non‑profit sector.
• Understanding of peer support models and the value of lived experience.
• Knowledge of employment, HR processes and/or employment law.

Practical Information

• This role involves online delivery and some travel
• Evening or weekend delivery will be required for some courses and/or workshops.
• We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
• The post is subject to satisfactory references and a DBS check, appropriate to the nature of the role. Bipolar UK takes a fair and proportionate approach to vetting.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Bipolar UK is an equal opportunities organisation. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of bipolar or other mental health conditions, people from under‑represented communities, and those whose voices are less often heard in mental health spaces.

All recruitment decisions are based solely on skills, experience and suitability for the role.

Data Protection

Any personal information you provide will be handled securely and used only for recruitment purposes, in line with UK data protection legislation.

Safeguarding

All trainers are expected to work in line with Bipolar UK’s safeguarding policies, ensuring safe, respectful and empowering environments for everyone we work with.

How to Apply

Bipolar UK operate a blind recruitment practice and advertise our roles via CharityJob.

Please submit your CV online to Charityjob with a covering letter (maximum two A4 pages). Your cover letter should clearly demonstrate how your experience meets the person specification and explains your motivation for working with Bipolar UK.

Closing date for applications will be 9am on Monday 25 May 2026

Join us at an exciting time in our journey to improve lives through the sport of boccia and help to lead development of the most inclusive sport in England.

The Partnership and Infrastructure Manager will focus on driving participation growth within communities by working in partnership with key stakeholders, including Leisure providers, Active Partnerships, and National charities, to create inclusive and sustainable opportunities.

Purpose of the Job

 ·      To develop and expand the boccia community infrastructure, increasing access and participation.

· To build and strengthen strategic partnerships that create more opportunities for people to play boccia.

· To coordinate and deliver the implementation of Boccia England’s action plans within key place-based locations.

As Partnerships and Infrastructure Manager you will play a central part supporting the organisation and ensuring we offer great service and care to the boccia community.

We are looking for someone who can make a positive contribution to our charity and use their experience and skills to support our work. The ideal candidate will be passionate about making a real difference and bring new ideas for our processes and services.

Accountability and Objectives of the role

Strategic Focus

• Support the co-ordination and delivery of agreed operational plans and programme by providing quarterly reports on performance against the targets in the annual delivery plan, for the board and key stakeholders.
• Drive the development of boccia delivery in key regions, aligned with Sport England place-based investment priorities.
• Collect, collate and report data, insight and learning related to the delivery of the Boccia

England operational plan

• Support the implementation of the People Plan for our external workforce at a local level where identified
• Work with colleagues to secure new funding to resource the development and growth of boccia in regions.

Relationship Building  – Lead the initiation and development of a nationwide regional community boccia infrastructure model.

• Develop and manage a network of key partners to create opportunities that connect, engage, and empower physically disabled people and wider communities through a range of Boccia initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key identified partners to ensure Boccia England maximizes the opportunities to grow the sport of boccia
• Plan, promote, and deliver engagement events such as the Big Boccia Conversation, creating opportunities for partners and stakeholders to network, share ideas, and explore ways to increase participation in Boccia and disability sport.
• Collaborate with colleagues to establish new clubs, strengthen school engagement, and ensure the sustainability of participation growth.

Programme Development

• Promote and support the delivery of Try Boccia, providing partners with the tools, resources, and guidance required to deliver inclusive Boccia sessions across a range of community settings
• Support the development of local and regional Boccia communities, building their capacity to deliver sustainable participation opportunities across clubs and Try Boccia sites.
• Deliver a roadmap of initiatives across key locations to drive participation through a range of Boccia programmes.

​Finance and Budget Management - Ensure effective processes are in place to manage and report on budgets.

• Coordinate annual budget planning and monitoring of performance against budgets.
• Effectively manage and monitor the specific budgets for participation and development programmes, with clear means of measuring progress.
• With the senior leadership team, ensure the preparation of relevant and appropriate quarterly financial reports to the Board.

EDI and Safeguarding

•  Promote and embed equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of work. Ensure accessibility and inclusive practices are integrated into all working processes, creating a workplace and culture that is welcoming, equitable, and representative of all communities.
• Promote the safety, welfare, and well-being of everyone to ensure full compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Report all safeguarding concerns in line with policies and legislation.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and protective environment for all within Boccia Englands workplace and community

General Requirements

• Manage own workload effectively.
• Be committed to continuous improvement.
• Provide excellent and timely customer service with both internal and external communications.
• Use and share knowledge and expertise to promote boccia and develop Boccia England.
• Be an advocate for Boccia England and the sport of boccia.
• support the wider Boccia England team to ensure business objectives are achieved
• Any other tasks or responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the Head of Sport and commensurate with the responsibilities of the post.

For further details of the role please access the Job Descripton by visiting the Boccia England website under the careers section.

Parkinson’s UK works with health and social care professionals to transform Parkinson’s services across the UK. 

We do this through the Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network (PEN), a network of over 7,000 health and care professionals with a shared vision: to build an expert Parkinson’s workforce and improve health and care services for people with Parkinson’s.

We bring together and support health and care professionals to share best practice, network and collaborate, share resources and education, and drive improvements to services for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.

To help us deliver our strategic aims, we are looking for a person with lived experience of Parkinson’s  to take on the role of Lived Experience Lead on a consultancy basis. 

About the role 

In this role, you’ll:

• Provide strategic guidance to the Parkinson’s UK team through the monthly Parkinson’s Excellence Network Steering Group.

• Bring expertise as a person with lived experience of Parkinson’s for Parkinson’s UK teams.

• Drive engagement and participation with the Excellence Network. 

• Inspire, challenge and collaborate with the health and social care professional community to drive significant improvements to Parkinson’s services.

• Act as an ambassador for the Excellence Network. 

• Attend the annual in-person PEN National and Regional Clinical Leads meeting.

• Support the PEN national calendar of events through attendance or promotion. This includes Excellence Hub meetings and other activities centred around our national priorities.

• Join relevant governance groups, including the UK Parkinson’s Audit Governance Board. 

What expertise you’ll bring:

• Have lived experience of Parkinson’s and awareness of how the condition presents itself for other people with Parkinson’s. 

• Be skilled in sharing insight and lived experience with a range of stakeholders to help inform decision making.

• Have an understanding of health and social care support to people with Parkinson’s  to support the strategic aims and objectives of Parkinson’s UK.

• This role does not require NHS Professional/Clinical experience, and we encourage applicants without a healthcare background to apply

This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK and we would love you to join us!

Please apply by sending us your CV, together with a detailed supporting statement which will fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria of the role, as stated in the "What expertise you'll bring" section of the job description.

Interviews for this role will be held online via google meet from 17 June 2026.

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

Location: Home based- Please note that while the role is primarily remote, candidates must be based in the UK due to periodic travel requirements, including attendance at conferences and other in-person meetings. 

Hours: Part time - 18 hours 

Terms: One-year fixed term contract (with a possibility of extending the role funding allowing)

Salary: FTE £24,750 (actual £11,880)

Pension: NEST Scheme 

Annual Leave: 28 days pro rata (inclusive of bank holidays) 

Normal working week: 37.5 hours 

What we can offer you: 

• Flexible, remote working from home. 

• A positive and friendly staff culture. 

• Annual in-person meet-ups as a team. 

• Laptop and Phone as required. 

• Option to discuss and set your own regular working hours. 

• The opportunity to make a difference to a growing charity and a large, engaged 

community.

• Organisation wide shut down at Christmas in addition to your holiday entitlement 

ABOUT US

PANS and PANDAS are complex neuro-psychiatric conditions which are frequently 

misunderstood and misdiagnosed. PANS PANDAS UK are the only charity in the UK 

working to improve outcomes and ensure brighter futures for people affected by PANS and PANDAS. 

We provide support and information to families, and work tirelessly to inform medical 

practice, raise awareness, engage with medical, social work and educational 

professionals, and much more. 

We are a small team based at home in various UK locations. We keep in touch frequently online and have a warm, supportive and positive culture. 

OVERALL PURPOSE 

The Education Training Development Manager will lead the operational development, and delivery of the national education training programme, ensuring it aligns with organisational priorities and emerging national guidance. The role is responsible for the coordination, growth and quality assurance of PANS PANDAS UK’s national CPD training offer for teachers and educational psychologists (EPs), supporting the development and delivery of high‑quality training modules and strengthening partnerships.

The role reports to and works in close collaboration with the PANS PANDAS UK Education Lead, who retains overall ownership, strategic responsibility and final decision‑making authority for the training programme and the wider education strategy.

Central to this role is working collaboratively with the PANS and PANDAS community and the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to ensure all training is informed by lived experience.

Key Responsibilities

Programme & Content Development

• Jointly review, update and refine existing CPD materials with the Education Lead, informed by national guidance and emerging research, with the Education Lead holding overall responsibility
• Support development of new training modules and associated materials.
• Explore future delivery models to expand national reach and scalability.
• Identify opportunities for integration of PANS or PANDAS training/materials within University/Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and other relevant programmes.
• Work collaboratively with the PANS PANDAS community and Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to ensure training reflects lived experience.

Trainer Recruitment & Capacity Building

• Recruit and induct additional trainers.
• Support trainer development.
• Maintain consistent quality standards.
• Deliver priority or pilot training sessions when needed to help support programme growth and maintain delivery capacity.

Strategic Programme Oversight

• Provide leadership and direction for the development and delivery of the national education training programme within the strategic framework set by the Education Lead.
• Ensure training content and delivery models align with organisational priorities and upcoming national guidance.
• Lead long-term programme planning, sustainability and continuous improvement.

Partnership Development & Sector Engagement

• Build relationships with MATs, LAs, Universities and other national relevant organisations.
• Work with the charity Communications and Engagement Officer to promote the training models across social media and education networks.
• Attend and present at education sector events and networks to raise awareness of training opportunities.

Commissioning & Income Support

• Develop commissioning packages tailored to MATs, LA’s and other relevant organisations.
• Support pricing structures.
• Identify sustainable income opportunities for the charity via the training.

Quality Assurance & Evaluation

• Oversee monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Prepare reports for the charity as required.

Operational Coordination

• Coordinate scheduling, setup and delivery logistics for all training sessions.
• Manage bookings, confirmations, resource distribution, attendance recording and data collection
• Lead regular training team meetings to support planning and quality assurance.
• Support management and storage of training assets.
• Maintain regular communication with the Education Lead.

Working Environment & Culture

• Remote and flexible working within a digitally enabled national team.
• Supportive work–life balance, flexible leave arrangements and an organisational shutdown during part of December.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with lived experience valued.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Relevant qualifications (teaching, SEND, adult learning, training design, project management).
• Ability to set priorities and align training with national guidance.
• Experience shaping or influencing SEND practice or programme development within an education context.
• Relationship building skills within the education sector.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the UK education sector.
• Familiarity with digital learning platforms.
• Willingness to gain an in depth understanding of PANS or PANDAS.
• Ability to work sensitively and confidently with the PANS and PANDAS community, including the YAB, creating safe and inclusive spaces.

Desirable

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience
• Experience contributing to strategic planning within education, a charity or Local Authority.
• Experience with CPD
• Experience leading multiagency or cross sector initiatives.
• Lived experience of PANS and PANDAS

Role Purpose

The Education Trainer supports the Education Manager in the design and delivery of specialist, evidence-informed trainings programmes for education professionals equipping them to support bereaved children, young people, adults and communities.

Using trauma-informed, evidence-based content delivered through both digital platforms and in-person, the role ensures schools and educational staff have practical tools to identify, respond to, support and/or refer bereaved children, young people and adults.

We are recruiting for two Education Trainers, both to work full-time hours (35 per week). One term-time only and the other to work year-round.

Main Responsibilities

• Working collaboratively with the Education Team and the team’s administrator to co-ordinate training requests responses.
• Working with the Education Manager and colleagues, support the design of training programmes tailored to the needs of the training delegates.
• Deliver the organisation’s education training packages online and/or face-to-face as required.
• Work with the team to ensure efficient flow of processes and procedures.
• To research key areas in need of bereavement training packages.
• To be an ambassador for the ASK Me Training and Manifesto to early years, primary, secondary and higher education institutions and professionals.
• To form key relationships with individuals and organisations to promote off-the-shelf training as well as rapid response, ASK Me and bespoke education training.
• To work with the team to develop new education training programmes and content.
• Work with the Marketing and Communications Team to promote education training programmes.
• Collaborate with the team to develop and review feedback framework to evaluate the training.
• Use feedback to improve the current training offer and identify gaps in education training offers.

 Communication and Relationships

• Build and maintain effective relationships with education professionals across early years, primary, secondary and higher education sector.
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation’s ASK Me Training and Manifesto and other key education programmes, promoting values of empathy, inclusion and best practice in bereavement support.
• Collaborate closely with the Education Manager, colleagues and the Education Administrator to co-ordinate training requests and ensure a seamless client experience.
• Engage with internal teams, including Marketing and Communications, to publicise training offers and strengthen audience reach.
• Work proactively to establish and nurture key relationships with external education networks, commissioners, and organisations to increase awareness and uptake of training programmes.
• Communicate sensitively and confidently when delivery content that may evoke emotional responses, ensuring a safe and supportive training environment.
• Demonstrate and promote the organisation’s values and culture through all forms of communication, behaviours and professional relationships.

Knowledge, Training and Experience

• Strong presentation, facilitation and communication skills, adaptable to a variety of audiences.
• Contribute to the creation of bespoke education programmes or training sessions as well as to the development of new education training packages.
• Develop and adapt training content for both in-person and digital delivery using a variety of digital platforms.
• Demonstrate a robust understanding of grief, loss, trauma, child development, and the psychological and social impact of bereavement on children, young people, and adults, including families.
• Demonstrate a high level of understanding of the organisation’s evidence-based tiered service model.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of current education frameworks and the wellbeing priorities for schools and colleges.
• Participate, and where appropriate, lead on consultations with individual education settings to formulate an assessment of their individual training needs.
• Use outcome measures and/or feedback tools to monitor progress, evaluate the impact of delivery, and reflect on own practice.
• Adhere to legislation and statutory guidance related to Safeguarding Children and Young People and Safeguarding Adults at all times.
• Participate actively in clinical supervision and reflective practice to ensure safe, ethical, and effective delivery.
• Contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the team by supporting training, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities.

Analytical and Judgement Skills

• Assess training needs of education settings through consultation, feedback and sector research to inform targeted content development with the support of the Education Manager.
• Evaluate participants’ feedback systematically to review the quality, relevance and impact of training’ identify areas for improvement and gaps in provision.
• Exercise sound judgement when responding to sensitive disclosures or emotionally charged discussions during training, ensuring appropriate support and signposting.
• Apply analytical thinking to review emerging issues in bereavement education – such as curriculum integration – to guide future training design.
• Recognise and manage situations that involve ambiguity, uncertainty, or emotional intensity, drawing on supervision and established frameworks for professional support.
• Apply a trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate lens to training development and delivery, ensuring sensitivity to cultural, social, and contextual factors influencing grief.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful data recording and reporting to inform service evaluation, and organisational performance monitoring.

Planning and organisational skills

• Prepare thoroughly for assigned training sessions, ensuring all materials, technology and resources are ready in advance.
• Deliver training sessions to time and quality standards, managing transitions between content, activities and Q&A smoothly.
• Deliver a suite of education training packages online and/or face-to-face as required, adapting content to meet specific delegate needs as needed.
• Contribute to the design and maintenance of robust systems and workflows that support the smooth flow of processes from enquiry to evaluation.
• Research new areas of bereavement education need and contribute ideas for the development of new programmes and resources.
• Collaborate with colleagues to maintain and refine the evaluation and feedback framework, drawing on insights to drive continuous improvement and suggesting improvements to the training offer.
• Manage time effectively across multiple projects and priorities, working flexibly to delivery high quality outcomes within deadlines.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation in accordance with confidentiality, data protection, and statutory requirements.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and reflective capacity, using supervision and peer support to sustain personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness.
• Provide cover and support for team members when needed.

All Staff

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Child Bereavement UK; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities.
• Promote equality of opportunity and diversity in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager.
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required.
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager.
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.

Person Specification

Education/Professional Qualification

Essential

• Relevant professional qualification in working in education, training or learning
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and commitment to continuous learning
• Training in bereavement, grief and trauma informed practice

Desirable

• Relevant professional qualification in working with children and young people

Skills and Experience

Essential

• At least three years’ recent experience (in the past six years) of delivering training to professionals
• At least three years’ recent experience of working with children, young people and families in a health, social care, youth, community or education setting
• Experience of planning and designing training programmes
• Experience of liaising with and working alongside organisations that support children and young people
• Experience of working with vulnerable communities
• Experience of delivering training using a digital platform
• Demonstrable experience of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and an ability to practise in a way that promotes this
• Experience of working collaboratively with multi-agency professionals

Desirable

• Experience of working within a bereavement, palliative care of mental health setting
• Experienced in using outcome measures to evaluate practice

Knowledge and Understanding

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of bereavement, grief, loss, trauma, and their psychological and developmental impact on children, young people, parents and families
• Knowledge of current research, theories, national frameworks, and NICE guidance related to bereavement and children’s mental health
• Empathetic, compassionate, and youth driven approach
• Proven ability to design, deliver and adapt bereavement training effectively through digital platforms, maintaining engagement, safety and impact
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with stakeholders while maintaining professional boundaries at all times
• Consulting mindset with the ability to quickly assimilate information and to translate this into potential solutions and ways of working
• Awareness of safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures
• Understanding of information governance, confidentiality, and data protection requirements
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion within practice
• Emotional maturity, stability and resilience with a strong commitment to self-care and the ability to seek support and guidance when difficulties arise in the course of work

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 27th May 2026 at midnight

First Stage Screening Interviews

You may be asked to attend a 10-minute Screening Interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the vacancy, to assess your suitability for the role. During the interview, you will be asked two skills-based questions.

Second Stage Interviews

If you are progressed to a second stage interview, you will be invited to attend a 1-hour formal interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the role. It is our policy to share the role-specific interview questions with applicants ahead of the interview, to aid their preparation. You may also be asked to complete an interview task, which will also be shared with you in advance.

Youth Team Forum Discussion

For roles in our Bereavement Services Team, we will invite those applicants selected for interview along to a discussion forum with members of our Youth Team. This session is held remotely and lasts approximately 20 minutes. The discussion topic will be shared with you in advance of the session.

Role Purpose

The Adult Bereavement Counsellor provides therapeutic support to adults- particularly parents and carers- who are experiencing acute or complex grief following the death of a child.

The post holder will provide comprehensive psychosocial assessments and deliver therapeutic interventions working therapeutically using a range of counselling methods, approaches, and techniques, consistent with Level 3 of the NICE psychological intervention framework (2004).

They will also deliver crisis interventions where appropriate to ensure emotional safety and stability. In addition, the role includes designing and implementing a variety of therapeutic interventions across individual, couple, and group contexts, drawing on different models as required.

Main Responsibilities

Communication and Relationships

• Communicate effectively and sensitively within the organisation and with external professionals, including health and mental health services such as CMHTs and GPs.
• Convey complex and emotionally sensitive information to adults with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.
• Manage interactions with individuals or groups who may be distressed or emotionally impacted by information shared.
• Develop and maintain strong, positive working relationships with colleagues and peers to promote effective teamwork and collaboration.
• Model organisational values and behaviours, demonstrating respect, compassion, and integrity in all communication and relationships.

Knowledge, Training and Experience

• Undertake detailed psychosocial assessments and risk evaluations for parents and carers bereaved of a child, determining the most appropriate interventions and levels of support.
• Deliver individual and, where appropriate, couple or group counselling sessions using evidence-based approaches to address complex grief, trauma, and adjustment to loss.
• Ensure all practice meets professional standards and complies with relevant codes of conduct and national guidance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current research, evidence-based practice, and developments in bereavement and trauma-informed care.
• Provide crisis interventions when required, ensuring emotional containment, safety and referral to appropriate support.
• Support service users to develop coping skills, resilience, meaning making, and strategies to manage distress and ongoing adjustment.
• Integrate trauma-informed principles, recognising the emotional and physiological impact of bereavement and its intersection with other mental health concerns.
• Engage in continuous professional development and maintain an active professional portfolio in line with professional body requirements.
• Demonstrate knowledge and compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and safeguarding legislation, including Safeguarding Children and Adults and the Mental Capacity Act.
• Provide guidance, supervision, and support to volunteers individually or in groups as required.

Analytical and Judgement Skills

• Apply sound professional judgment and analytical skills to assess needs, plan interventions, and evaluate outcomes in accordance with best-practice frameworks.
• Participate actively in team meetings to plan, review, and evaluate care strategies and approaches.
• Ensure the accurate and timely recording of data and information to support monitoring, evaluation, and service development.
• Contribute to the collection, analysis and reporting of outcome measures to support quality assurance, demonstrate impact, inform practice and interventions, and inform continuous improvement.

All Staff

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Child Bereavement UK; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities.
• Promote equality of opportunity and diversity in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager.

Person Specification

Education/Professional Qualification

Essential

• MA/MSc or Postgraduate Degree (minimum Level 4 or equivalent) in Counselling, Psychotherapy, Arts Therapy
• Registration with a professional body (ie. HCPC, UKCP, BACP, BAAT, etc)
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• Certificate/diploma in supervision
• Dual qualification (social work and counselling/psychotherapy)
• BACP accreditation or eligible for BACP accreditation

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Able to make clear psychosocial assessments and managing complex emotional and mental health needs, risk, and safeguarding
• Awareness of the intersection between loss, mental health, relationships and identity
• Strong assessment, formulation and planning skills within a therapeutic context
• Substantial post qualification experience in counselling or psychotherapy
• Experience of working therapeutically with adults (pre and post bereavement)
• Experience of using outcome measures, feedback tools and data to evaluate effectiveness and impact of interventions

Knowledge and Understanding

• A strong understanding and knowledge of relevant psychological theories, therapeutic interventions, and models of grief work
• In-depth understanding of the impact of bereavement, trauma, and loss especially after the death of a child
• Knowledge of child development, attachment, and resilience frameworks
• Sound awareness of risk assessment, safeguarding legislation and information sharing processes
• Knowledge of evidence-based models of counselling and therapeutic interventions including creative and systemic approaches
• Proven ability to design, deliver and adapt psychosocial assessments and therapeutic counselling interventions effectively through digital platforms, maintaining therapeutic alliance, safety and impact when working remotely with adults.
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislations and impact on practice
• Inclusive in approach, sensitive to diverse experiences of grief and cultural expressions of loss
• Awareness of the importance of service evaluation, outcome measurement, and reflective practice in demonstrating impact and improving quality
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required.
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager.
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 27th May 2026 at midnight

First Stage Screening Interviews

You may be asked to attend a 10-minute Screening Interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the vacancy, to assess your suitability for the role. During the interview, you will be asked two skills-based questions.

Second Stage Interviews

If you are progressed to a second stage interview, you will be invited to attend a 1-hour formal interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the role. It is our policy to share the role-specific interview questions with applicants ahead of the interview, to aid their preparation. You may also be asked to complete an interview task, which will also be shared with you in advance.

Youth Team Forum Discussion

For roles in our Bereavement Services Team, we will invite those applicants selected for interview along to a discussion forum with members of our Youth Team. This session is held remotely and lasts approximately 20 minutes. The discussion topic will be shared with you in advance of the session.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager (England)

Reporting to: Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Line Management: 1 Policy and Public Affairs Officer England

Location of work: Remote but role holder will ideally be London-based to be able to frequently commute for meetings/ events at Westminster. The role may involve also some infrequent travel across the UK.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week, although flexible/ compressed hours will be considered. The role will require occasional evening and weekend work.

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary: £42,000

BACKGROUND

Magic Breakfast is the UK’s leading school breakfast charity and makes a difference to over 350,000 children and young people every day by offering breakfasts and expert advice to tackle child morning hunger in schools across England and Scotland.

This is an exciting time for Magic Breakfast as the benefits of school breakfast provision are increasingly recognised by policymakers, educators and the public. The Policy and Public Affairs (PPA) Team is central to this work. And through our new organisational strategy, Nourishing Futures, the work of the PPA Team is growing to meet our advocacy ambition to expand school breakfast provision and deliver our vision which would see every child in the UK nourished, empowered and thriving.

JOB PURPOSE

The role of the Policy and Public Affairs Manager is a high-impact role, central to designing and delivering Magic Breakfast’s national policy and public affairs strategy in England. The role holder will lead the development of evidence-based policy positions and work collaboratively to drive forward strategic, integrated and impactful advocacy campaigns to successfully influence decision-makers, policy change, and funding frameworks aligned with our key objectives. Specifically, you will also lead the design and implementation of our new workstream to expand school breakfast provision to secondary schools and early years settings, alongside our work to ensure the effective implementation of the Free Breakfast Club Programme.

More broadly, you will keep abreast of political developments relevant to Magic Breakfast - proactively identifying opportunities to respond, influence and shape the debate across the school food system and provide strategic, analytical and timely advice to the Senior Leadership Team.

Using your excellent communication skills, you will be able to translate complex policy into tailored and effective communications, policy briefings, positions and submissions, and will play a lead role in confidently engaging external stakeholders including UK Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, special advisers, officials and sector partners.

We are looking for someone who enjoys collaboration, who shares our passion for driving systematic change, and who can use their experience to navigate, respond to, and influence the fast-moving political environment to deliver lasting and meaningful change. You’ll be part of a collaborative and ambitious organisation, working at the intersection of policy, practice and impact – putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do and helping to ensure every child starts their day nourished, empowered and ready to thrive.

KEY RESPONSOBILITIES

• Lead the policy development process in consultation with cross-organisational teams and external organisations to develop clear, evidence-based policy recommendations and positions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with UK Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, Special Advisers, officials and sector organisations, including conducting stakeholder mapping and power analysis to identify key routes to influence.

• Design, lead and implement integrated advocacy campaigns to deliver maximum impact in collaboration with cross-organisational teams.

• Work closely with colleagues to share expertise and intelligence, inform and shape research areas, support campaign activities aligned with advocacy objectives, and respond proactively to live developments across the organisation.

• Line manage and support the development of the Public Affairs Officer.

• Strong ability to translate complex policy into clear, persuasive communications tailored to specific audiences to deliver maximum impact.

Please read the full job description attached below. 

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to thrive.

Please see our job pack below

Please see our website

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, HR @ magicbreakfast .com

Shortlisting: w/c 25th and 26th May

Interview 1: w/c 1st and 2nd June

Interview 2: w/c 8th and 11th June

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are 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.