Policy advocacy manager jobs

Headway UK developed the Approved Provider Scheme in 2011, which is a voluntary standards-based accreditation, for rehabilitation and residential units for people with a brain injury and we are looking for a new part time team member.

• Location: Preference for Midlands based, either home based or in Headway UK’s office in Nottingham.
• Salary: £35,000 FTE (pro rata for 21 hours per week) (days are flexible)

Brief overview

Are you a professional with experience supporting brain injury survivors?

Are you passionate about improving standards or care, for brain injury survivors?

Would you be good at conducting assessments and supporting residentials care units to improve the care that they provide?

Headway UK developed the Approved Provider Scheme in 2011, which is a voluntary standards-based accreditation, for rehabilitation and residential units for people with a brain injury and we are looking for a new part time team member.

By participating in the scheme Approved Provider units affirm their dedication to excellent care, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. The accreditation of units is then published for families, individuals and professionals to help inform their choices when identifying suitable provision for brain injury survivors. Our accreditation process is designed to be collaborative and supportive, guiding units through every step towards achieving and maintaining exemplary service standards.

The role will involve, conducting and writing assessments and working with the Approved Provider and Training Manager to manage Lead Assessors, who are based around the UK and the Service User Perspective Assessors, who are either brain injury survivors, or family members/ carers.

Embrace Headway’s mission of Improving Life After Brain Injury. Join us to ensure the highest quality care for ABI survivors throughout their journey to recovery.

What you will do:

• Conduct Approved Provider assessments, which includes going into brain injury residential units and assessing the services they provide and making recommendations, to improve practice against the framework.
• Writing and reviewing reports for Approved Provider units, following assessments, that clearly highlight strengths and areas for development.
• Contributing to the development and growth of Headway UK’s Approved Provider scheme, by continuing to drive forward standards and onboarding new units.
• Working with freelance Lead Assessors and Service User Perspective Assessors (who are brain injury survivors or family members) who are based around the UK, to organise assessments and ensure the schemes standards are upheld.

About you

We’re open-minded and welcome all applicants who believe they can succeed. Though ideally, you will have:

• Prior experience of working in the field of acquired brain injury.
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, clinical psychology, physiotherapy, nursing, social work).
• Ability to write and moderate written reports of high quality and clarity, to provide accurate and accessible feedback.
• Very good IT skills, including be proficient in the Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams).
• Ability to gain the trust, confidence, and respect at all levels within external organisations and staff groups.
• Be an excellent communicator, with new and existing Approved Provider units.

Benefits

As a staff member at Headway UK you’ll have access the following range of benefits;

Financial Security 

• Competitive Salaries
• Pension - You’ll be automatically be enrolled into the Pensions People with Headway contributing between 5 – 8%
• Occupational Sick Pay Scheme – Increasing with length of service.
• Death in Service Benefit - You’ll have the security of knowing if anything happens to you your loved ones will be provided for

Flexible Working

• Remote working – For the majority of our roles we can facilitate fully remote or hybrid working.
• We understand that a healthy work-life balance is essential for our team to thrive. Headway UK offers flexible working arrangements, promoting well-being and ensuring you can take care of yourself while you care for others.

Wellbeing

• You’ll benefit from a fully comprehensive 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme including access to counselling services.
• Eye Test Vouchers
• Mental Health First Aiders

Holidays and leave

• You’ll get 25 days leave incrementally increasing to 30 days based on service plus Bank Holidays.
• Birthday leave

Benefits

• You’ll have access to a range of shopping and lifestyle benefits and discounts through our IMHR Plus Privilege membership.

About us

Headway UK plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals and families affected by brain injuries. Our comprehensive services encompass rehabilitation, counselling, and practical assistance to help survivors regain independence and improve their quality of life. Headway UK is at the forefront of raising awareness about the challenges faced by those with brain injuries and advocates for their rights, ensuring they receive the care and understanding they deserve. Through a combination of educational initiatives, community outreach, and personalised support, Headway UK strives to rebuild lives, offering a lifeline to those navigating the complexities of brain injury recovery.

Embark on a fulfilling career with Headway UK and join our compassionate team and contribute to our mission of rebuilding lives after brain injury. Make a meaningful impact with Headway UK, where every role plays a crucial part in empowering those on the path to recovery.

Safeguarding

At Headway UK we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow best practice as set out within the Care Act 2014. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruiting procedures and will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment checks including a criminal background check and two satisfactory references.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

We recognise, value and champion diversity and inclusion. We want to ensure are staff population reflect the diverse service users that we support. For us diversity and inclusion is about building happy teams, full of people that want to learn and be inspired by each other, by our different experiences and backgrounds. Inclusion means providing the people we recruit with opportunities and valuing everyone’s contributions and perspectives.

We are also committed to removing barriers for applicants with a disability during our recruitment process, upon appointment and as an employee.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need support with the application or you would like a chat about what it’s like to work with us.

Thank you for your interest in Headway UK and we look forward to getting to know you!

Job Purpose

This role offers an opportunity to play a vital part in sustaining our Helpline service, which sits at the heart of the support we provide to people living with PSP & CBD. As Helpline Care Navigator (HCN), you will act as the first point of contact for individuals, families and health professionals across the West and South West.

You will deliver compassionate, person-centred support and clear, practical information via telephone and email, ensuring people affected by PSP & CBD feel heard, informed and supported at every stage of their journey. Alongside direct support, you will actively engage with health and social care professionals, neurology clinics and wider partners to strengthen local awareness of PSP & CBD and enhance referral pathways across the region.

This is a key role in maintaining continuity, quality and momentum within our Helpline service and you will be reporting to the Helpline and Support Services Manager.

Contract Type

Full Time – permanent contract (6 month probationary period)

Salary

£27,500 per annum 

Hours of Work & Annual Leave

• 35 hours per week -  this may include working some unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends.
• 28 days plus bank holidays. Pro-rated for part time role.

The main office is in Milton Keynes, and we have a hybrid working policy with staff expected to spend one day a week in the office and the remainder can be worked from home. HCN’s currently work from the office on a Wednesday. There is flexibility in the arrangements that need to be agreed upon with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities

To be ‘first point of call’ for people with PSP & CBD and their families living in the West and South West Region including Shropshire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Avon, Isle of Wight. Providing people with support and information over the phone and via email.

• To raise awareness of PSP & CBD across all health and social care disciplines in he region by engaging with HSCP’s and neurology clinics.
• To provide accurate information in all aspects of PSP & CBD in response to enquiries and signpost onto other organisations where appropriate.
• Ensure a maximum response to all helpline calls, emails and enquires.
• To keep clear and accurate records and statistics of enquires received and actions taken.
• To carry out a maximum number of proactive calls to people affected by PSP & CBD within the region as directed by the Helpline Manager.
• Develop and maintain the existing database of key health and social care professionals and regional services.
• Attend outreach events to build the profile of PSPA services amongst health and social care professionals.
• To deliver awareness and learning sessions to HSCP’s within your region
• Work with the Director of Policy and Influencing to identify ways in which services and care can be improved for families affected by PSP & CBD in the region.
• To signpost to PSPA Support Groups and services.
• Liaise with external services to signpost to local support.
• Take an active part in the delivery and planning of information and support events, which may include the possibility of overnight stays and weekends.
• Liaise with the fundraising team to signpost to fundraising activities.
• Liaise with the Volunteer Coordinator to maintain and build volunteering in the region.
• To attend and contribute constructively to team and other meetings as required.
• To ensure the implementation of policies, procedures and quality standards as defined by PSPA.
• Contribute to the development of literature and articles for PSPA Matters.
• To undertake any other tasks, by agreement as required, in support of the work of PSPA.

The duties may be changed and/or varied to meet changing circumstances at the discretion of the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience in delivering helpline and/or information and support services
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to listen actively understanding different points of view
• Ability to keep accurate records
• Willingness to undertake training and continuing personal development
• Experience of and sensitivity to communicating with audiences from a range of backgrounds
• Strong IT skills, with experience in MS Office products and customer relationship management software
• Flexible and reliable attitude and the ability to self-organise and to work without direct supervision
• Good communication skills, both oral and written and excellent telephone manner
• Ability to manage difficulty questions, emotions and situations in a calm and confident way.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of PSP & CBD or other neurodegenerative diseases and/or experience of working in the NHS
• An understanding of Safeguarding and an ability to follow relevant policies and procedures
• Knowledge of healthcare or social care systems.

Job Purpose

This role offers an opportunity to play a vital part in sustaining our Helpline service, which sits at the heart of the support we provide to people living with PSP & CBD. As Helpline Care Navigator (HCN), you will act as the first point of contact for individuals, families and health professionals across the West and South West.

You will deliver compassionate, person-centred support and clear, practical information via telephone and email, ensuring people affected by PSP & CBD feel heard, informed and supported at every stage of their journey. Alongside direct support, you will actively engage with health and social care professionals, neurology clinics and wider partners to strengthen local awareness of PSP & CBD and enhance referral pathways across the region.

This is a key role in maintaining continuity, quality and momentum within our Helpline service and you will be reporting to the Helpline and Support Services Manager.

Contract Type

Full Time – permanent contract (6 month probationary period)

Salary

£27,500 per annum 

Hours of Work & Annual Leave

• 35 hours per week -  this may include working some unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends.
• 28 days plus bank holidays. Pro-rated for part time role.

The main office is in Milton Keynes, and we have a hybrid working policy with staff expected to spend one day a week in the office and the remainder can be worked from home. HCN’s currently work from the office on a Wednesday. There is flexibility in the arrangements that need to be agreed upon with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities

To be ‘first point of call’ for people with PSP & CBD and their families living in the West and South West Region including Shropshire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Avon, Isle of Wight. Providing people with support and information over the phone and via email.

• To raise awareness of PSP & CBD across all health and social care disciplines in he region by engaging with HSCP’s and neurology clinics.
• To provide accurate information in all aspects of PSP & CBD in response to enquiries and signpost onto other organisations where appropriate.
• Ensure a maximum response to all helpline calls, emails and enquires.
• To keep clear and accurate records and statistics of enquires received and actions taken.
• To carry out a maximum number of proactive calls to people affected by PSP & CBD within the region as directed by the Helpline Manager.
• Develop and maintain the existing database of key health and social care professionals and regional services.
• Attend outreach events to build the profile of PSPA services amongst health and social care professionals.
• To deliver awareness and learning sessions to HSCP’s within your region
• Work with the Director of Policy and Influencing to identify ways in which services and care can be improved for families affected by PSP & CBD in the region.
• To signpost to PSPA Support Groups and services.
• Liaise with external services to signpost to local support.
• Take an active part in the delivery and planning of information and support events, which may include the possibility of overnight stays and weekends.
• Liaise with the fundraising team to signpost to fundraising activities.
• Liaise with the Volunteer Coordinator to maintain and build volunteering in the region.
• To attend and contribute constructively to team and other meetings as required.
• To ensure the implementation of policies, procedures and quality standards as defined by PSPA.
• Contribute to the development of literature and articles for PSPA Matters.
• To undertake any other tasks, by agreement as required, in support of the work of PSPA.

The duties may be changed and/or varied to meet changing circumstances at the discretion of the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience in delivering helpline and/or information and support services
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to listen actively understanding different points of view
• Ability to keep accurate records
• Willingness to undertake training and continuing personal development
• Experience of and sensitivity to communicating with audiences from a range of backgrounds
• Strong IT skills, with experience in MS Office products and customer relationship management software
• Flexible and reliable attitude and the ability to self-organise and to work without direct supervision
• Good communication skills, both oral and written and excellent telephone manner
• Ability to manage difficulty questions, emotions and situations in a calm and confident way.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of PSP & CBD or other neurodegenerative diseases and/or experience of working in the NHS
• An understanding of Safeguarding and an ability to follow relevant policies and procedures
• Knowledge of healthcare or social care systems.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme
• Employment Assistance Programme

For more information about this role, please visit our website.

About the team

We have big goals over the next few years.

We're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before.

Together we'll be working to make sure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Ynglŷn â'r tîm

Mae gennym uchelgeisiau mawr ar gyfer y blynyddoedd nesaf.

Byddwn yn ymgyrchu dros iechyd meddwl mewn ffordd fwy uchelgeisiol nag erioed o'r blaen.

Gyda'n gilydd, byddwn yn gweithio i sicrhau bod pawb sy'n wynebu problem iechyd meddwl yn cael y gefnogaeth a'r parch y maent yn eu haeddu

Team information

Will you join us?

Mind Cymru's Policy and Campaigns Team works to improve mental health policy, services and public attitudes across Wales. We seek to influence changes to the mental health system in Wales by developing evidence-based policy, responding to consultations and advocacy. We use research and lived experience insight to shape recommendations and campaign priorities. The team also leads public campaigns, builds partnerships with other organisations and supports Mind's wider network to amplify key issues. Its goal is to create a Wales where everyone can access the mental health support, rights and opportunities they need.

Gwybodaeth am y tîm

Hoffech chi ymuno â ni?

Mae Tîm Polisi ac Ymgyrchoedd Mind Cymru yn gweithio i wella polisïau iechyd meddwl, gwasanaethau ac agweddau'r cyhoedd ledled Cymru. Rydym yn ceisio dylanwadu ar newidiadau i'r system iechyd meddwl yng Nghymru drwy ddatblygu polisïau sy'n seiliedig ar dystiolaeth, ymateb i ymgyngoriadau a chynnal gwaith eiriolaeth.

Rydym yn defnyddio ymchwil a mewnwelediadau o brofiad byw i lywio ein hargymhellion a'n blaenoriaethau ymgyrchu. Mae'r tîm hefyd yn arwain ymgyrchoedd cyhoeddus, yn meithrin partneriaethau â sefydliadau eraill ac yn cefnogi rhwydwaith ehangach Mind i godi ymwybyddiaeth o faterion allweddol. Ein nod yw creu Cymru lle gall pawb gael y gefnogaeth iechyd meddwl, yr hawliau a'r cyfleoedd sydd eu hangen arnynt.

Key duties and responsibilities

The post holder willl:

-Provide strategic leadership, planning and insight on Welsh policy, campaigns and senior stakeholder engagement to achieve Minds strategy in Wales, including providing advice and guidance to senior management and trustees, representing the organisation at the highest level on complex policy issues and engaging lived experience in the work of Mind Cymru

-Maintain an inclusive approach that reflect Mind's values and behaviours in how work is delivered and how team-level outcomes are measured. Ensure diverse voices and experiences are sought, engaged and reflected in Mind Cymru's policy and campaigning

-Develop relationships to enhance Mind Cymru's influencing in Wales providing a strong voice on behalf of the federation and our beneficiaries, including with elected politicians, Ministers, Welsh Government and UK Government officials, NHS Wales and other key decision makers

-Build and maintain constructive working relationships with colleagues across the organisation to ensure the needs of Welsh audiences are taken into account on policy and campaigning activity

-Represent Mind Cymru internally or externally, acting as a credible spokesperson and advocate for our work, including in the media and through speaking opportunities.

-Maintaining and applying knowledge across the policy and political environments in Wales and the UK

Prif ddyletswyddau a chyfrifoldebau

Bydd deiliad y swydd yn:

-Darparu arweinyddiaeth strategol, cynllunio a mewnwelediad ar bolisi Cymru, ymgyrchoedd ac ymgysylltu â rhanddeiliaid uwch er mwyn cyflawni strategaeth Mind yng Nghymru. Bydd hyn yn cynnwys darparu cyngor ac arweiniad i'r uwch dîm rheoli ac ymddiriedolwyr, cynrychioli'r sefydliad ar y lefel uchaf ar faterion polisi cymhleth, a sicrhau bod profiad byw yn rhan greiddiol o waith Mind Cymru.

-Cynnal dull cynhwysol sy'n adlewyrchu gwerthoedd ac ymddygiadau Mind yn y ffordd y caiff gwaith ei gyflawni ac wrth fesur canlyniadau ar lefel tîm. Sicrhau bod lleisiau a phrofiadau amrywiol yn cael eu cynnwys a'u hadlewyrchu ym mholisi ac ymgyrchoedd Mind Cymru.

-Datblygu perthnasoedd i gryfhau dylanwad Mind Cymru yng Nghymru, gan ddarparu llais cryf ar ran y ffederasiwn a'r bobl rydym yn eu cefnogi. Bydd hyn yn cynnwys gweithio gyda gwleidyddion etholedig, Gweinidogion, swyddogion Llywodraeth Cymru a Llywodraeth y DU, GIG Cymru a phenderfynwyr allweddol eraill.

-Adeiladu a chynnal perthnasoedd gwaith cadarnhaol gyda chydweithwyr ar draws y sefydliad er mwyn sicrhau bod anghenion cynulleidfaoedd Cymru yn cael eu hystyried wrth ddatblygu gweithgareddau polisi ac ymgyrchu.

-Cynrychioli Mind Cymru yn fewnol ac yn allanol, gan weithredu fel llefarydd ac eiriolwr hygred dros ein gwaith, gan gynnwys yn y cyfryngau a thrwy gyfleoedd siarad cyhoeddus.

-Cynnal a chymhwyso gwybodaeth am yr amgylcheddau polisi a gwleidyddol yng Nghymru ac ar draws y Deyrnas Unedig.

Mind's equity statement

Mind is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please refer to the Job Description while completing your application as candidates will be shortlisted based on how closely they match the criteria in the personal specification.

This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We retain the authority to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date and without prior notice, once an adequate number of applications has been received. Applications will be assessed on a continuous basis, and we respectfully advise prompt submission to ensure consideration.

Datganiad Cydraddoldeb Mind

Mae Mind wedi ymrwymo i sicrhau cyfle cyfartal i bob aelod o staff, ac rydym yn croesawu ceisiadau gan unigolion beth bynnag fo'u hoedran, anabledd, rhyw, ailbennu rhywedd, cyfeiriadedd rhywiol, beichiogrwydd a mamolaeth, hil, crefydd neu gred, neu statws priodasol a phartneriaeth sifil.

Cyfeiriwch at y Disgrifiad Swydd wrth gwblhau eich cais, gan y bydd ymgeiswyr yn cael eu rhoi ar y rhestr fer yn seiliedig ar ba mor agos y maent yn bodloni'r meini prawf a nodir yn y fanyleb person.

Mae'r swydd hon yn gofyn am wiriad gan y Gwasanaeth Datgelu a Gwahardd (DBS).

Rydym yn cadw'r hawl i gau'r swydd wag hon cyn y dyddiad cau a hysbysebwyd a heb rybudd ymlaen llaw, unwaith y bydd nifer ddigonol o geisiadau wedi'u derbyn. Caiff ceisiadau eu hasesu'n barhaus, ac rydym yn cynghori ymgeiswyr i gyflwyno eu cais cyn gynted â phosibl er mwyn sicrhau y cânt eu hystyried.

We’re looking for a highly skilled individual who will help build on our relationships and networks across Westminster, to deliver ambitious political leadership on a range of issues. The post holder will be responsible for leading advocacy interventions and providing political support to our policy experts, with a focus on Transport and Resources policy.

As a senior political adviser within the politics team, you will also be involved with, and lead on, major projects or themes of work across the political leadership theme (including the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Environment (APPG), which Green Alliance holds the secretariat for), managing and developing key external relationships and supporting the Director of politics as they lead the politics team.

You will need to be an exceptional communicator, adept at bringing people together around a shared vision and have the interpersonal skills to inspire and work across Green Alliance and liaise with our extensive network of partners.

You will be a highly organised, capable multi-tasker with experience managing projects and able to think on your feet, while managing multiple relationships and advocating plans concurrently.

The role entails identifying and leading on opportunities for the UK government to achieve environmental progress and implementing advocacy strategies to secure it. You will have direct access to senior policy makers and environmental leaders, so will need to articulate recommendations succinctly and persuasively.

The role requires excellent understanding of UK political processes (especially in Westminster, parliament and Whitehall) and experience of using it to influence policy effectively. Experience of operating within the system or of working directly with politicians and the media to achieve policy change would be a distinct advantage.

We are looking for a person with an understanding of working with a values-driven team of people, in the charity or not-for-profit sector.

The person appointed will have an appreciation of the aims and values of the Sustain alliance and be excited by supporting our organisation in effective ways of working, whilst freeing up senior leaders and spokespeople to undertake influencing, communication, partnership development and fundraising activities.

The Operations and People Manager will help Sustain function effectively as an organisation and be a great place to work. This is a senior, trusted role working closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Senior Management Team (SMT), line managers and Trustees to strengthen our people, operational and governance systems.

The post-holder will lead practical improvements in HR, people processes, line management standards, staff development, onboarding, offboarding, organisational culture and compliance. They will combine sound judgement, strong systems thinking and a people-centred approach, helping Sustain keep processes clear, proportionate and well-managed, while supporting colleagues to focus on effective delivery.

The mission of the Sustain alliance is to catalyse systemic change in the UK’s food and farming system – securing a healthy, fair, and sustainable future for all people, nature and a stable climate. Working in collaboration with our alliance members and others, we run a range of advocacy work, projects and campaigns to achieve permanent changes in policy and practice; and to engage more people, organisations and communities in being food system change-makers.

As with all senior roles at Sustain, the person appointed to this role will work mainly at the Sustain office in London during their probationary period, and thereafter at least half of working hours at our office, whilst benefiting from the flexibility offered to all colleagues. This is part of senior role-modelling of the creativity, support, engagement and well-being benefits that in-person working cultivates between colleagues. This will be managed in coordination with other senior colleagues to enable good in-person coverage and connectivity across the week and across common holiday periods.

Role and responsibilities
•Strengthen Sustain’s people, HR, operational and governance systems so that the charity works effectively, fairly and well.
•Help Sustain be a great place to work, with clear standards, supportive line management, good staff development and a positive, inclusive culture.
•Lead on high standards and practical improvements in recruitment; induction; probation; appraisals; people and HR processes; line management skills, knowledge and tools; staff consultation; and organisational policies and practices.
•Support senior leaders, line managers and Trustees with clear advice, reliable processes, good records and proportionate and effective risk management.
•Develop and maintain systems that are simple, useful and appropriate for Sustain’s size, values, resources and legal responsibilities
 

Tasks and responsibilities:

Organisational operations and systems
•Lead on managing and developing the charity’s operational activities.
•Ensure that senior management actions that support operational effectiveness are managed and carried out in a timely way, via an accessible and accountable process.
•Lead and/or participate in a range of internal groups that support operational effectiveness.
•Support the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other relevant staff with governance matters, including:
oReporting to the Council of Trustees on operational and people matters;
oPerformance of the ‘Company Secretary’ role on behalf of Trustees;
oTrustee recruitment, induction and management of necessary information and processes;
oAppropriate compliance with the Charity Governance Code.
•Working with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Council of Trustees, help prepare and coordinate the agendas and the running of the quarterly board meeting and occasional (at least annual) staff and Trustees strategy day, as well as the Sustain AGM, Annual Report and Trustee elections (annual), as one of the key links in communication with and between Sustain’s Council of Trustees.
•Lead on development and implementation of one or more relevant chapter of Sustain’s Organisation Development Plan (ODP).

•Support the planning and running of events, working with Sustain team leads, partners, venues and contributors.
•Work with the Head of Finance, Head of Digital and Design and external suppliers to help ensure office, IT and operational arrangements are appropriate and support effective working.
 

People, HR and employment processes
•Lead development and implementation of HR processes, practical actions and transactions, using external HR and/or legal advisors for authoritative support and advice where needed.
•Lead on full lifecycle support for Sustain staff including:
oEffective and inclusive recruitment, onboarding and offboarding – implementing Sustain’s commitment to recruitment for diversity – working with SMT, finance and admin leads;
oCreating, grading, reviewing and updating job descriptions, working with line managers and the senior leadership team;
oManaging employment contract variances; funding precarity; end-of-contract and risk-of-redundancy processes, working with senior managers, line managers, affected employees and HR/legal advisors;
oCreating or supporting a range of opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and identities to get involved.
•Act as first point of contact for HR queries, taking ownership of policies and process, culture and employee relations; informed by HR advice, consultation and annual staff survey, including overseeing an action plan to embed areas of good practice, and to pursue improvements in an accountable way.
•Regular review of job descriptions, grades, progression and staff benefits within Sustain to ensure we remain competitive within the sector.
•Provide or commission sector benchmarking data, analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making, using a methodology agreed with Trustee oversight, on matters such financial and non-financial staff benefits.
•Maintain and improve the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook, and related policies, guidance, advice and other support.

Line management standards, learning and staff development
•Lead the development and implementation of clear, practical standards for line management at Sustain, working with SLT, SMT, the Line Managers Forum and external advisers where appropriate.

•Develop and oversee implementation of key processes such as annual appraisals, annual planning and objective-setting, and a suitable performance management process.
•Help ensure objective-setting, personal development and progression conversations are undertaken routinely, and that these and performance management are handled consistently, fairly and in line with Sustain’s values and legal responsibilities.
•Support line managers to run effective 1-to-1s, probation reviews, appraisals, workload conversations, development conversations, and difficult conversations where needed.
•Ensure suitable and sufficient ongoing learning opportunities and training for the staff team and the Line Managers group, driving the charity’s approach to consistent standards, personal development and career progression.
•Maintain and improve the Line Managers Handbook and related tools, templates and guidance.
Culture, EDI, staff voice and union liaison
•Manage and develop Sustain as a great place to work, with a working culture and practices that support effective delivery, as well as health, wellbeing and personal development.
•Serve as an active member of the Diversity Group, to implement and innovate on equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and to gather data to measure and report on impact and progress.
•Working with the CEO, provide a route for requests and suggestions from the Health and Wellbeing Group to be properly considered and actioned as appropriate.
•Develop and support ways for staff voices to be heard and influence policies, practices and organisational culture, and for staff to be able to raise ideas and concerns confidently and see actions taken as a result.
•Support structured staff consultation and union liaison processes, helping ensure they are well-organised, transparent, well-documented and conducted in line with Sustain's policies and recognition arrangements.

Governance, compliance and risk management
•Develop and update key resources, contributing to useful reference sets such as the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook and Line Managers Handbook, including overseeing production, maintenance and updating of all policies, procedures and guidance relevant to operations and people.
•Ensure Sustain complies with all employment, health and safety, data protection, charity legislation and statutory guidance including filing at Companies House and maintaining organisational records with the Charity Commission, and managing the risk register and internal policies tracker.

•Ensure adherence to health, safety, diversity and safeguarding procedures in the office, in hybrid working and for events and activities; undertaking comprehensive risk assessments for events and activities; and ensuring appropriate risk mitigation, staff communication and updates to guidance.
Other
•Potential for this role to line-manage one or more member of staff, volunteer, paid intern and/or external consultant, offering 1-to-1 support for objective-setting, work delivery, coaching and pastoral matters.
•Any other reasonable tasks and duties, agreed with the Chief Executive, consistent with the nature and level of the role.

Person specification / What we’re looking for:

Qualifications and requirements
•Significant experience operating at a senior level in a people, HR, operations or an organisation development role, including responsibility for organisational systems and staff management. [E]
•Experience of working in a charity, not-for-profit, campaigning, membership, alliance or other values-led organisation. [D]
•Demonstrable commitment to the operations and people role through a relevant qualification, training or other continuing professional development (CPD). [D]
 

Experience
•Significant experience leading organisational, people or operational improvement and advising senior decision-makers. [E]
•Developing skills and learning plans, and commissioning and/or delivering learning opportunities including training, workshops, facilitation and/or coaching. [E]
•Managing employment contracts to improve employee information and job security, especially where funding is short-term and project-based, with insights into good practice. [D]
•Delivering training and/or guidance to improve people-related functions to be delivered by line managers. [D]
•Working in a unionised organisation. [D]
Skills, abilities and attitudes
•Confidence and experience to take a leadership role on operational and people matters, working with the Chief Executive, Trustees and senior managers. [E]
•Strong problem-solving skills, and negotiation skills and the ability and confidence to provide insightful and constructive proposals and advice. [E]
•Excellent project management skills. [E]
•Aptitude for managing financial information and budgets. [D]
•Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in writing and verbally, including on complex, confidential or contentious matters. [E]
•Proficiency with computer software and records management. [E]

Knowledge
•Knowledge and experience of end-to-end management of staff team members and their development: recruitment, induction and probation; learning experiences, skills and training; personal and career development; performance management; support for health and wellbeing; and HR processes. [E]
•Sound knowledge of UK HR and employment rules and statutory guidance, and their implementation in good practice. [E]
•Knowledge of IT, online and practical systems for improving processes and efficiency. [D]
 

Attitudes and personal qualities
•Highly organised and self-motivated, with the ability to work flexibly, independently and meet deadlines; whilst having the judgment to know when and who to consult before proceeding. [E]
•High integrity, with a professional, diplomatic, values-led, solutions-focused and collaborative approach to working with individuals and a wider team. [E]
•Commitment and ability to work at our office in East London regularly. [E]
•Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and racial justice. [E]
•Commitment to the mission and values of Sustain, and an interest in healthy and sustainable food and farming. [D]

Application closing date: Monday 14 September at 5pm (BST)

First stage interviews will take place (via Zoom) on: Wednesday 23 September 2026

Second stage interviews to take place in-person (London office) on: Wednesday 30 September 2026

Early applications are encouraged.

For any queries, please contact our recruitment team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Disabled person with strong HR and service management experience to support our high quality Information and Advice and Speaking Up (casework) Services rooted in the Social Model of Disability, Disability Justice, Equity and Human Rights. This role sits within our Senior Leadership Team and is central to the smooth running and growth of our organisation.

• Role: Service Manager
• Reporting To: CEO
• Direct Reports: 3-4 members of our Information and Advice and Speaking Up Teams (including 2 Supervisors)
• Hours: 21 hours per week (flexibility around working pattern but must be available to work on a Monday)
• Salary: £38,934 - £51,912
• Location: Hybrid
• Start Date: 28 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
• Contract Type: Fixed term until 30 September 2028, with potential of extension dependent upon funding
• This post is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

We are looking for an individual with a deep commitment to Disabled people’s rights and passion for leading change. The successful candidate will lead, motivate and support a diverse team of passionate caseworkers, manage impactful services, lead on HR, deputise around safeguarding and develop and maintain key relationships with partners and funders, and more.

What do we mean when we say ‘Disabled’? - We use the term ‘Disabled people’ to mean all people living with an impairment or health condition. This includes:

• People with physical impairments
• People who experience mental distress/mental health issues
• Deaf People
• Hearing Impaired People
• Blind, partially sighted or Vision Impaired People
• People with learning disabilities
• People with long-term health conditions
• Neurodivergent People
• People with invisible impairments

We recognise and respect that some of the people mentioned above do not think of themselves as Disabled but we believe the groups above can face disabling barriers in society.

We are looking for a part-time Communications Manager to support MDP in the communication of our work through social media, press engagement, community storytelling, and organisational communications.

To build migrant power, we need strategic, sharp, engaging, and sometimes humorous content on migrant justice and democracy in the UK. We need to tell the stories of our communities and why the right to vote is essential to different audiences through different channels - online and in the press. This role is perfect for creatives who have skills in graphic design, video editing, and copywriting; and can support the team with creative brainstorming on the latest social media trends, meme formats, cultural references, and political opportunities for posting. You will also manage MDP’s newsletter and website.

TERMS AND BENEFITS

• Fixed term contract for 12 months (with the possibility of extension depending on future grants), £38,000 pro rata (equivalent to £30,400 per year), with a September or October 2026 start.

• 25 days of paid annual leave pro rata, plus bank holidays. In addition, the MDP office closes for two paid weeks over Christmas and New Year.

• 4% pension (3% employer and 5% employee contributions)

• Access to training and mentoring opportunities to develop in the role, if needed.

• Flexibility in working hours and TOIL.

• Central London office space. MDP’s office is in Vauxhall, London. Staff have daily access to the office and the team works from the office together at least once a week.

ABOUT MDP

Migrant Democracy Project (MDP) is building migrant power in the UK. We believe in leveraging the power of democratic participation to create just society for all residents. We build political power by getting migrants registered to vote, we organise for votes for all residents, and we support the leadership development of migrant leaders. We want to build a society where migrants’ interests and needs are heard, included and represented in all levels of UK politics. 

We work in solidarity. We recognise that our struggles, liberation, identities, and oppressions are interconnected. We do not exist in isolation to other communities.

Our fight for migrant justice is tied to queer and trans liberation, racial and disability justice, reproductive freedoms, freedom for Palestine and all oppressed people, anti-capitalism, and beyond.

KEY DUTIES  - Please read the job specification attached document before applying for a full list of duties.

• Communications Strategy Development: Build and implement MDP’s Communications Strategy. Pay attention to breaking news and the activities of MDP staff and wider Champions to develop a communications strategy in-line with MDP’s organising strategy.
• Social Media Content Development: Develop social media content for MDP’s Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn accounts, including graphics, video scripts and captions, working with MDP spokespeople and champions.
• Press and Media Engagement: be the point of contact for all media activity, develop networks with journalists and pitch stories and MDP spokespersons.
• Other Communications: write and design MDP's monthly newsletter, maitain the MDP website and provide input on other external communications.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS - Please read the job specification attached document before applying for a full list of qualifications.

• Experience recording, producing and posting content using a range of social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok

• Excellent communicator who is able to translate often complex topics into accessible content for our community members.

• Experience communicating with journalists, successfully pitching stories, and  working with tight deadlines.

• Experience using design tools (e.g. Canva and Kapwing) 

• Understanding of ethical storytelling practices and experience working with communities to tell their stories

• Excellent organisational skills, keeping track of key events, planning content accordingly;

• Strategic and creative thinking on crafting narratives in support of campaigns and political activities.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV with the Subject Line “FIRST NAME LAST NAME COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER” by 31 August 2026 and complete the online form following the guidance in the application pack.

MDP is dedicated to the kind of diversity and inclusion that makes our organisation thrive. We highly encourage people to apply who identify as migrants and refugees; women, trans or nonbinary; LGBTQIA+; Black or BIPOC; and disabled.

Please let us know if you have any access needs or requirements. We will work with you to help you achieve your best.

DECISION-MAKING TIMELINE

We are looking for the Communications Manager to start in September or October 2026. The applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews will be scheduled accordingly.

Interview process

● Stage 1: shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 20 minute interview online with the Executive Director.

● Stage 2: if successful after Stage 1, shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 75 minute interview in-person. This will include a practical exercise and questions about your experience. You will have an opportunity to ask us questions as well.

Please download and refer to the full application pack for the job description and follow the application process outlined there.

The role

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our London Team.

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility due to the role involving travel around Banes, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

Hours of Work:37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Location: Home based with travel in and around the Tower Hamlets and North East London Foundation Trust area
(Applicants must live within the area)

Salary: starting salary £25,877.80 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements:

• Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
• Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
• Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
• 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
• Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
• Auto enrolment Pension plan.
• Death in service cover.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do
 

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait, click apply now!
 

Closing Date: 10th September 2026
 

Interview Date: TBC

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.
 

We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle if using it for work transport.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce/this team/department/job role.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

Salary: £43,680 

Location: Hybrid Work Culture. We are proud to promote a truly hybrid work culture, recognising that every role is different, and everyone has unique needs and preferences. Our Hybrid Work Arrangement empowers each team member to work with their manager to choose the most effective way to work that balances your needs and Hospice UK’s.

Our office is a short walk from King’s Cross station in London. For this role, we are looking for someone who is London based and can travel to central London at short notice to maximise media and PR opportunities that arise. You will also be expected to come into the office at least one day a week - currently the External Affairs anchor day is on a Wednesday.

Contractually this role is London-based.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave pro rata based on the term of the contract
• Matched pension scheme up to 7% of salary
• Support for staff with caring responsibilities
• Family-friendly culture

How to Apply: CV and supporting statement - using Hospice UK’s supporting statement document – see below

Closing date for applications: Sunday 6 September at 23:59

Interview dates: 15th and 16th of September. Interviews will take place online via MS Teams. 

We’ll send assessments and some questions to you in advance so that you can prepare. Let us know if you have any specific needs to be able to fully engage with the process.

Job Information 

The Role

Our media function at Hospice UK is critical to our mission to promote and protect hospice care for all.The Media and PR Manager leads our media strategy, helping to tell our story with ambition and impact – shaping conversations, building national influence and raising the profile of hospice care across the UK.

This post holder will have a sharp eye for a story, be a bold and instinctive media strategist and amplify the voices of people who need to be heard to change minds influence political decision makers and put Hospice UK at the forefront of the debate.

The Team

You will work within the Communications team that sits within the wider External Affairs Directorate. We are around 20 in total, including 4 colleagues based in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Communications team includes colleagues working across content, social and digital, as well as partnership marketing and member communications. 

You will work closely with a smaller team of 3 colleagues, our Senior Social Media Officer, Content and Brand Manager and your line manager – our Senior Communications and Communications Manager. Together you will be involved in the big issues in hospice care, making sure Hospice UK is vocal, visible and leading the debate. 

There is a strong collaborative and supportive culture across the External Affairs Department with lots of opportunity to exchange ideas, plan together and benefit from each other’s skills and expertise.

Working closely with our 200+ hospice members, we have a strong track record of securing strong media coverage and winning campaigns on their behalf, most notably over the two years by securing increased investment in hospices by governments in Westminster, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

But our work is not done. Hospices are under significant pressure and need both better government investment and continued public support. Our focus now is ensuring that hospices can meet ever increasing demand for their services, with well-funded and well-staffed hospices across the UK.

About You

You're a talented and ambitious media professional with a strong instinct for a story and a passion for creating impact. Whether spotting opportunities in a fast-moving news cycle, building trusted relationships with journalists, or developing proactive media campaigns, you know how to secure attention for the issues that matter.

You'll bring significant experience in media, PR or communications, ideally within the charity, health, care or public sector, and have a proven track record of delivering media strategies that drive measurable results. You'll be equally comfortable pitching a compelling human-interest story, translating complex policy issues into engaging content, or providing calm, confident counsel to senior leaders during high-profile or sensitive situations.

We're looking for someone who is proactive, strategic and highly collaborative. You'll have excellent writing skills, strong media contacts (or the ability to build them quickly), and the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to elevate the profile of hospice care, ensuring Hospice UK's voice is heard in key national conversations and debates.

If you're excited by the prospect of shaping a new media function, working at the heart of an organisation that champions compassionate end-of-life care, and making a real difference through the power of storytelling and advocacy, we'd love to hear from you.

More information is available in the candidate information pack, which is available on our website to download.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

We are currently recruiting a Policy and Communications Coordinator to join our Policy and Communications team on a two-year fixed-term contract.

Policy and Communications Coordinator
Contract: 2-year fixed term
Work Pattern: 35 hours per week. (1 FTE). We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours where possible.
Salary: £31,000 per annum
Location: London Fields, London E8 3PN. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 1 day working in the office if based in London

About the Role

The Policy and Communications Coordinator plays a key role in helping NCB drive positive change for children and young people across the UK, by supporting the delivery key elements of policy, public affairs, and communications work. This role supports the development and delivery of high-quality and impactful policy outputs, communications and campaigns, to enhance our visibility and impact, bringing lived and learned experiences to the heart of our influencing work.

Supporting cross-NCB coordination by working across teams and Specialist Membership Groups, the Coordinator will grow and maintain vibrant, diverse and engaged memberships, and help ensure NCB’s voice is clear, timely, and influential across the policy arena and public conversation.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with an interest in wellbeing, belonging and anti-bullying, as these will be key areas that the post-holder will focus on. NCB's Policy and Communications team also works across a range of other issues such as SEND, health, social care, poverty and justice.

What you’ll be doing:

Communications and digital engagement:

• Support the delivery of integrated communications and campaigns that amplify the voices of children, young people and families.
• Draft, design, and schedule engaging, accessible content across a range of digital channels, including social media, website, sector-facing briefings, newsletters and e-marketing content.
• Monitor news coverage, maintain a media contact database, and draft media statements and press releases to secure national and regional coverage.
• Work closely with our networks and advisory groups to ethically gather, produce, and share powerful case studies and testimonials that highlight lived experiences of our areas of work.
• Maintain digital assets, ensuring all case studies and images are ethically sourced with informed consent and stored securely.
• Monitor, analyse and report on monthly digital analytics to optimise website traffic, social media performance and sector newsletter open rates.
• Develop and maintain membership processes for external networks and groups.
• Coordinate logistics for cross-sector membership groups, campaign launches, sector webinars, and network-wide stakeholder events.

Policy and public affairs:

• Monitor UK policy and parliamentary activity, announcements and sector trends to flag advocacy opportunities or policy risks for our networks.
• Summarise complex policy documents, legislation, and research reports into clear and concise briefings for internal teams, sector partners and member, and to support engagement of lived experience groups.
• Contribute to the development of high-quality consultation responses, position statements, and briefings for civil servants, MPs, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate policy activities across NCB projects and networks, including our work involving members, children and young people.
• Support the organisation of parliamentary events, roundtables and stakeholder meetings.
• Support the development of positive relationships including Parliamentarians, politicians and officials in central and local government, and other key stakeholders.
• Support secretariat work and parliamentary engagement for All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
• Maintain up-to-date records of key stakeholders including policymakers, parliamentarians, officials, and sector contacts.

We are looking for someone who brings:

• A genuine interest in policy, public affairs and communications.
• An understanding of issues affecting children and young people in the UK.
• Knowledge of UK government, policymaking and parliamentary structures and processes.
• A personal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice, particularly in anti-racism and anti-ableism.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with people from a range of backgrounds and build collaborative working relationships.
• Strong organisational, administrative and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written communication skills, with experience of producing high-quality content for different audiences and purposes, including briefings, reports, digital content or stakeholder communications.
• Experience of creating content for digital channels, including websites, newsletters and social media in a professional context.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to identify, interpret and synthesise information from a range of sources accurately and clearly.
• Commitment to involving children, young people and adults with lived experience, in effective, ethical and evidence-based ways.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and experience using databases, websites and digital systems.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Applications close at 08:00am on Tuesday 1st September 2026.
Assessments and interviews to be conducted during the week commencing 7th September 2026.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Job Title: Deputy Service Manager 

Location: Derby City (on-site role)
Salary: £36,565.90 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Deputy Service Manager to support survivors who have been impacted by domestic abuse. We are recruiting for a Deputy Service Manager who is passionate about supporting survivors who are impacted by domestic abuse. In this role you will provide line management and support to community-based staff who support survivors of domestic abuse across Derby City.  This will include providing supervision on complex casework, overseeing operational emergencies and ensuring high standards of casework.

The Deputy service manager willjoin our management team toassist the service manager in the delivery and development of high-quality support to survivors accessing our community-based services in Derby City. In this role you will ensure the smoothrunning of high-quality service to support survivors of domestic abuse. This will include managing staff teams to ensure effective advocacy is provided to survivors who are at medium/standard risk and their children. 

A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive outreach service

Suitable candidates must have proven experience of providing direct emotional and practical support, and of managing case work. In addition, you must have experience of managing and motivating staff, knowledge of domestic abuse issues, experience of providing support to survivors, and experience of working in community-based services

As a member of the management team, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call service, on a rota basis, responding to out of hours emergencies.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 1 September 2026

Interview Date: 8 and 9 September 2026 - The interview will be in person – venue to be confirmed at interview invite stage

Experience of designing, delivering and improving participation, voice, involvement or lived experience programmes with children or young people is an essential requirement for this role. Please see the person specification below for all essential requirements before applying.

Role title: Voice Manager

Reporting to: Head of Impact and Innovation (note that this role will work collaboratively across the organisation to drive this agenda on lived experience being embedded through the charity) 

Location of work: The post holder will be home-based, with office visits required approximately once a month, and department/organisational away days which will be discussed with Line Manager. The role may involve some occasional irregular travel to attend events and meetings throughout England and Scotland.

Contract type: Ideally full time, 35 hours per week, although flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work. 

Contract length: Permanent 

Salary: £43,500 

Background

For more than 20 years, Magic Breakfast has been helping children and young people start the day with the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive. But the impact of breakfast goes far beyond food. Every morning, we help pupils arrive at school feeling valued, included, and ready to reach their potential.

Today, 2.1 million children across the UK are at risk of hunger, the equivalent of four pupils in a classroom of 30. Working with schools in disadvantaged communities across England and Scotland, Magic Breakfast is committed to ensuring no child is too hungry to learn. One breakfast at a time, we are helping children and young people build brighter futures.

This is a pivotal moment to join Magic Breakfast. Governments in both England and Scotland have committed to expanding access to free school breakfasts, recognising the vital role they play in children’s wellbeing and attainment. Yet significant gaps remain. Pupils in secondary schools, alongside younger children in nursery and early years settings, are still at risk of starting the day hungry. Hunger does not begin at age five, nor end at age 11, and neither does our mission.

By joining Magic Breakfast, you will become part of a passionate, ambitious organisation driving lasting change for children and young people across the UK.

Job Purpose 

Magic Breakfast has already begun developing its approach to embedding children and young people's voiceas outlined in ourorganisational Nourishing Futures strategy and business plan, launched in 2025. Alongside this, a Lived Experience strategy and roadmap set out the plan to ensure child and youth voice is heard at all points in our decision making.This role will operationalise that roadmap, strengthening the systems, standards, capability and accountability needed to embed participation across the organisation. 

The Voice Manager will lead the development and delivery of Magic Breakfast’s approach to lived experience voice, with a particular focus on children and young people. They will ensure that the processes, policies, practicalguidanceand organisational capability is in place to enable the views, experiences and priorities of children and young peopletoshapethe organisation. 

This is a new roleat Magic Breakfast, responding to our Nourishing Futures strategy with a vision of a UK where every child is nourished, empowered and thriving.It’sa dynamic, matrix role, that works with teams across the organisation and will evolve over time, initially seeking to develop and embed new practices and approaches,which will impacton the culture and practices of the organisation.Previous experience of working ina similar role is vital as this role will provide lead counsel on child and youth participation across the organisation. 

The role holder will provide expert advice to colleagues across the organisation, helping teams embed meaningful, safe,inclusive and non-tokenistic participation in their work.The aim is for children and young people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, including those who may face barriersto engaging,are able to influence Magic Breakfast’s work.Anessential part of this role will be ensuring that,as well as the necessary internal infrastructure, the culture and mindset is in place to support the wider strategic aims. 

Key Responsibilities 

Voice leadership and organisational practice 

• Shape and operationalise Magic Breakfast’s children and young people’s voice function, ensuring it is aligned to organisational strategy, business planning and evaluation, safeguarding requirements and EDI commitments. 

• Reviewand maintain organisational guidance, processes andparticipation infrastructure that supportschildren and young people’s participation, includingconsent, accessibility, safeguarding,risk, recognition (e.g.remuneration), feedbackloopsand ethical storytelling. 

Organisational capability-buildingand support 

• Provide specialist advice to internal teams on when and how to involve children and young people, for examplein decision-making, service development, policy influencing, communications, fundraising,researchand evaluation. 

• Develop and deliver training, resources and reflective learning opportunities that help staff understand the importance of children and young people’s voice and build confidence in applying participatory approaches. 

• Work closely withourPeople and Culture team to embed voice and participation learning into wider performance expectations, ways of working, internal culture and learning,and development pathways. 

• Chair,coordinateor contribute to internal working groups that bring colleagues together to embed children and young people’s voice across teams and projects. 

• Champion a culture of listening, accountability and continuous improvement, highlighting whereand howchildren and young people’s views have influenced decisions to provide positive reinforcement of actions. 

Participation, engagementand co-design 

• Design,pilotand develop participatory approaches(such as regional lived experience panels, pupil panels, advisory groups, workshops, focus groups, creative consultation methodsand digital activities) for engaging children and young people,and support organisation-wide adoption. 

• Ensure participation approaches are accessible and inclusive for children and young people with different needs,experiences and communication preferences, including those who may be less likely to engage through traditional methods. 

• Ensure appropriate feedback loops are in place,s oparticipants and contributors understand how their views have shaped decisions, proposals, policy asks, breakfast provision or further research priorities. 

 

Safeguarding,ethicsand risk management 

• Ensure all voice and participation activity is delivered safely and in line with Magic Breakfast’s safeguarding, data protection, health and safety,consentand risk management policies. 

• Ensure children and young people are appropriately prepared, supported and followed up before, during and after participation activities, including signposting to support where needed. 

• Be an active member of the internal Safeguarding Committee, proactively flagging issues and developing or updating anyappropriate processes, whilst supporting a shift in approach from compliance to culturally embedded. 

• Support colleagues to develop appropriate risk assessments for online and in-person participation activities, and where needed, escalating concerns in line with organisational processes. 

• Support colleagues to apply ethical and inclusive approaches to gathering,analysingand using children and young people’s views, particularly where sensitive personal experiences may be shared. 

 

Insight and Influence 

• Develop and maintain approach to measure participation, influence, reach,qualityand impact, ensuring alignment with Magic Breakfast’s existing evaluation and reporting cycles. 

• Represent Magic Breakfast in external working groups,coalitions and participation networks, sharing learning and bringing sector insight back into the organisation. 

• Support funder conversations and proposals where required by clearly articulating Magic Breakfast’s ambitions,approachand impact in relation to children and young people’s voice. 

• Promote organisational learning by sharing participation insights, emerging themes and examples of influence across teams, helping to strengthen practice and decision-making. 

• Commission or manage external support, suppliers or partners where needed,ensuring quality of work 

Person Specification 

Essential knowledge and experience

• Experience of designing,deliveringand improving participation, voice, involvement or lived experience programmes with children or young people. 

• Experience of applying safeguarding, consent, confidentiality, data protection and risk management processes in participation or engagement activity. 

• Experience of managing projects or workstreams from design through to delivery, monitoring,learningand reporting. 

• Experience of facilitating workshops, focus groups, panels or advisory groups, both online and in person. 

• Experience of translating qualitative insight into clear findings, recommendations,reportsor resources for different audiences. 

• Experience of developing or managing place-based, community-ledor regional engagement structures. 

• Experience of developing guidance, tools,trainingor resources that support others to adopt good practice. 

• Experience of building trusting,appropriateand inclusive relationships with children and young people from a range of backgrounds and experiences. 

• Experience ofmatrixworking across teamsand influencing decision making 

Essential skills and behaviours  

• Strong understanding of meaningful,ethicaland non-tokenistic participation, co-designand lived experience practice within the UK. 

• Good understanding of safeguarding, emotional wellbeing, healthy boundaries and inclusive practice when working with children and young people. 

• Strong facilitation skills, with the ability to create inclusive spaces, encourage participation and manage group dynamics or challenging conversations sensitively. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make complex information clear,accessible and engaging for different audiences. 

• Ability to work with data and evidence to develop metrics,monitor progress and report impact. 

• Commitment to equity,diversityand inclusion, and to reducing barriers to participation for children and young people. 

Desirable Knowledge, experience and skills 

• Experience of child or youth voice activity in schools, education, youth work, anti-poverty, food insecurity, health, socialactionor charity settings. 

• Experience of supporting children and young people to engage with policymakers, funders, media,campaignsor public-facing opportunities. 

• Experience of working with community partners, local authorities, combined authorities, youth organisations, faithgroupsor other trusted local intermediaries to support inclusive participation. 

General requirements 

• Willing and able to travel across the UK for school visits, workshops,eventsand partner meetings. 

• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends where participation activity requires it, with time off in lieuinline with organisational policy. 

• Enhanced DBS check may be required depending on the final design of the role and level of direct work with children and young people. 

APPLICATION PROCCESS

You can access our job pack and more information about Magic Breakfast via our website. 

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

Shortlisting: w/c 31st August

Interview 1: w/c 14th September

Interview 2 and Informal Panel: w/c 21st September

Due to the high volume of applications, this role is likely to close early and we reserve the right to do so. 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. 

We’re looking for an experienced and compassionate Senior Support Worker to join our Stopover Supported Housing service in Brighton & Hove.

Stopover provides women-only supported accommodation for young women aged 16–25, including young women who have recently become mothers. Our services provide different levels of support as young women move towards independence, helping them develop the skills, confidence and stability they need to sustain their own tenancy.

Working alongside the Head of Supported Housing, you’ll help oversee the day-to-day running of the project while providing trauma-informed support to young women who may have experienced homelessness, abuse, domestic violence, mental health difficulties and other challenges.

This is a varied senior role combining direct work with young women, staff supervision and partnership working. You’ll build trusted professional relationships, advocate for young women and help ensure our service provides safe, consistent and high-quality support.

You will:

• Build positive professional relationships with young women, developing individual support plans and helping them gain the skills and confidence to live independently
• Help oversee the day-to-day running of the service, including managing resident issues, risk and compliance with licence agreements
• Provide line management, supervision and development support to members of the staff team
• Advocate for young women and work collaboratively with external agencies and other professionals
• Help ensure the service operates safely and effectively in line with organisational policies, funder requirements and contractual agreements

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Experience of working with young women or young people and a strong understanding of their support needs
• Experience in supported housing, residential services or a similar environment
• Confidence managing complex or challenging situations, assessing risk and delivering effective support planning or key work
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to advocate for marginalised young women and work effectively with other professionals
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team, alongside good administrative, IT and record-keeping skills

Knowledge of safeguarding, homelessness, benefits and external services available to young women would be an advantage. A Housing or Youth Work qualification is desirable but not essential.

Why join us?

Impact Initiatives is a Sussex-based charity supporting children, young people, adults with disabilities, families and older people to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

At Stopover, you’ll be part of a service built around consistent, positive relationships and trauma-informed support. You’ll have the opportunity to combine hands-on work with young women with leadership responsibilities, helping colleagues develop their practice and contributing to the quality and development of the service.

We’re committed to supporting our staff through ongoing learning, supervision and professional development.

Who can apply?

This post is open to women only, in accordance with Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010, due to the nature of the work delivering trauma-informed support to young women. We welcome applications from all women, including trans women.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and the successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Closing date: 5.00pm, Friday 11 September 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 14 September 2026

For further details and to apply, please visit Impact Initiatives website

About DadVocates

DadVocates is a new four-year project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, that will train, mentor and supervise young dads with lived experience of young fatherhood to act as volunteer peer advocates for young fathers going through children’s social care (CSC) proceedings, including Child Protection, Child in Need and Public Law Outline.

The project responds to evidence from our work with over 800 young dads, which shows that the majority felt negatively about CSC proceedings from the outset: many hold fatalistic expectations about losing contact with their children and are reluctant to engage. By matching young dads with a trained volunteer DadVocate at the earliest possible stage, the project aims to build agency, improve engagement and ultimately improve outcomes for children.

Over four years, the project will train 40 volunteer DadVocates, support 100 young dads through CSC proceedings, and deliver father-inclusive practice training to 160 social workers and other professionals across five local authorities. It will also co-design clear guidance on what good father-inclusive practice looks like within children’s social care teams.

This is a genuinely ambitious project, working at the intersection of lived experience, peer advocacy, social care practice and systems change. It was conceived by a young dad who is now a NEYDL trustee and qualified social worker and has been co-designed with 174 young dads over three years.

The role

The DadVocate Programme Manager will lead this project from the outset. You will recruit, train, mentor and supervise our volunteer DadVocates; chair and manage the project Steering Committee; lead the development and delivery of professional training for social workers; oversee monitoring, evaluation and funder reporting; and manage the project budget.

This is a programme management role, not a casework role. Cases are held by NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers; the DadVocates you manage provide peer support within those cases. You will have direct relationships with young dad beneficiaries through steering committee meetings, evaluation sessions and learning events, but your primary responsibility is managing and supporting the DadVocates and the systems around them.

The DadVocates are young dads with lived experience of young fatherhood, not professional practitioners. They will need significant support, encouragement and professional development to operate effectively in what can be a challenging environment. The quality of that management and support is central to the success of this project.

You will work alongside training and research providers, closely with NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers as the case holders and be supported day-to-day by the CEO.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with substantial experience, knowledge and competency working within the children’s social care and social work arena, alongside a track record of managing projects in the voluntary sector. The ideal candidate will bring both: professional grounding in children’s social care/social work and the programme management experience to lead a complex, multi-strand project over four years.

You will possess a deep understand of the children’s social care and social work system, be able to design and deliver training that changes professional culture and have the people management skills to support a team of volunteer young dads who are developing professional skills alongside their advocacy role. You will also need to build trusted relationships with young dad beneficiaries, social workers, academic partners and a range of local statutory and voluntary organisations.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of young fatherhood or young parenthood, from people with personal or professional experience of children’s social care proceedings (including professionally qualified social workers) and people from minoritised backgrounds.

What we offer

NEYDL is a close, inclusive and supportive team that actively invests in the development of its staff. We are a non-judgmental organisation built on mutual trust, respect and honesty. If you join us, you will be part of a team that genuinely believes in what it does.

In addition, we offer:

• 7.2 weeks’ annual leave per year, inclusive of statutory and public holidays
• 5% employer pension contribution
• A flexible hybrid working arrangement
• Regular supervision and fortnightly team meetings
• Funded professional development and training
• Mileage paid at 55p per mile for business travel
• The opportunity to lead a nationally significant project at the forefront of father-inclusive practice

Job purpose

To lead and manage the DadVocates project, a four-year National Lottery-funded programme training volunteer young dads as peer advocates for young fathers in children’s social care proceedings; delivering professional training to social workers; and working towards the embedding of father-inclusive practice across children’s social care teams in five local authorities.

Key responsibilities

1. Project management

• Take day-to-day responsibility for the management and delivery of the DadVocates project across all strands of activity
• Manage the project budget, monitor expenditure and liaise with the CEO and Finance Officer
• Update and maintain NEYDL’s Evaluation Framework with DadVocates-specific indicators and methodologies within the first two months of the project start date
• Ensure the project meets its funder milestones and KPIs, maintaining accurate records of outputs and outcomes
• Produce quarterly progress reports for internal review and contribute to annual funder reports
• Commission and manage the external evaluator for the four-year evaluation
• Identify and escalate risks and challenges to the CEO, recommending solutions

2. Steering Committee

• Chair and manage the project Steering Committee, which meets every two months and comprises young dads, NEYDL frontline staff, the safeguarding lead, social work professionals, related experts and academic partners
• Induct Steering Committee members, including young dads, into their roles, providing tailored support to ensure they can contribute confidently alongside professionals
• Use Steering Committee meetings to review progress, identify challenges and agree recommendations for the next period of delivery

3. Co-creating the DadVocate training programme

• Work with training and research providers, young dads and Steering Committee members to co-create a 100-hour peer advocacy training programme for volunteer DadVocates
• Deliver the DadVocate training programme alongside NEYDL staff and delivery partners
• Lead annual reviews of the training programme and update content in response to learning and feedback

4. Managing and supporting volunteer DadVocates

• Recruit and train 10 young dad volunteers per year (40 over four years), all with lived experience of young fatherhood
• Provide ongoing mentoring, supervision and wellbeing support to all active DadVocate volunteers: at least 50 hours per volunteer per year
• Set clear objectives for each volunteer, conduct regular appraisals and team meetings, and support their professional development and progression
• Recognise that DadVocates are young dads with lived experience rather than professional backgrounds, and provide the high level of structured support this requires, including supporting them to navigate professional environments with confidence
• Support the progression of volunteers into employment, further training and community leadership roles

5. Matching DadVocates with young dads in CSC proceedings

• Build and maintain referral pathways with social services, midwifery, Family Nurse Partnerships, Family Hubs and other local networks across target local authorities
• Match 100 young dads over four years with a volunteer DadVocate (10 in year 1, rising to 40 in year 4)
• Work closely with NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers, who hold cases, to coordinate peer advocacy support within CSC proceedings
• Maintain oversight of active advocacy arrangements, ensuring DadVocates are appropriately supported and that safeguarding obligations are met at all times
• Engage directly with young dad beneficiaries through steering committee meetings, evaluation sessions and project learning events

6. Professional training for social workers

• Co-create professional training content with social workers and young dads on the Steering Committee, drawing on national research and NEYDL’s practice experience
• Deliver half-day induction training to 15-20 social workers per local authority at the outset of each area’s involvement, co-facilitated by young dads or DadVocate volunteers
• Deliver annual refresher training in each local authority
• Facilitate quarterly case review and learning meetings with social workers in each local authority, involving DadVocate volunteers
• Co-design guidance on what father-inclusive practice looks like within children’s social care teams, with social workers and young dads (first version in year 2; updated version in year 4)
• Organise and host two information-sharing events for social care professionals in years 2 and 4 (approximately 100 professionals per event)

7. Monitoring, evaluation and learning

• Coordinate data collection with young dads, DadVocate volunteers and social workers using NEYDL’s evaluation tools and new instruments co-designed for this project
• Produce annual evaluation reports and disseminate learning through NEYDL’s wider networks, events and conferences
• Share learning through stakeholder events, professional networks and NEYDL’s regular sector-facing activity

8. Safeguarding

• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements are in place for all project activity, particularly for DadVocate volunteers operating within CSC proceedings
• Work closely with NEYDL’s Safeguarding Lead to ensure policies and protocols relevant to the project are current, understood and followed by volunteers and partners
• Act as first point of contact for safeguarding concerns arising within the DadVocates project

9. Collaboration and partnerships

• Work closely with NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers as case holders, ensuring a joined-up and consistent approach to supporting young dads involved in the project
• Build and maintain relationships with academic, statutory and voluntary sector partners
• Work with the Business Development Manager to help secure longer-term Local Authority funding for DadVocates, using evidence of impact from the project to support conversations with Local Authorities and expand the project’s reach beyond the areas and targets in the original funding bid
• Represent NEYDL and the DadVocates project at external meetings, networks and conferences
• Contribute to NEYDL’s wider communications and engagement activity

10. Other

• Deputise for the CEO as required
• Report to the Board of Trustees in person or in writing on a quarterly basis as required

11. Standard clauses

• The post holder must carry out their responsibilities at all times with due regard to NEYDL’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, policy and statement, and Safeguarding Policy
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures relating to health and safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times
• The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means, in line with NEYDL’s Data Protection Policy
• This role requires satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance prior to appointment
• This job description is not exhaustive. NEYDL reserves the right to reasonably add to or revise it at any time in agreement with the post holder.