Social care development jobs

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Organisation: Happy Days
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Calderdale

Role Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership across all frontline services, accommodation provision, organisational infrastructure, and compliance functions within the charity.

The COO is responsible for ensuring safe, trauma-informed, financially sustainable, and outcomes-focused delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, health exclusion, addiction, and crisis.

The role leads operations across the charity’s accommodation portfolio, including winter shelter provision, general needs accommodation, supported accommodation, and intensively supported housing. The COO also oversees the operational platform of the charity’s support programmes, including a community café, community supermarket, crisis drop-in provision, and integrated health clinics.

Working collaboratively with the CEO, Board, statutory agencies, housing provider partners, and wider stakeholders, the COO plays a key leadership role in shaping organisational strategy, strengthening operational systems, embedding trauma-informed practice, and developing innovative models of support that improve long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage.

The COO provides executive oversight of, operational risk, health and safety, HR, operational systems, and service compliance, ensuring the organisation maintains robust standards of governance, accountability, and person-centred care across all services.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide executive operational leadership across services and organisational functions
• Lead the delivery, development, and continuous operational improvement of:
  • Supported and temporary accommodation services (68+ properties)
  • Crisis and drop-in provision
  • Food programme and social supermarket
  • Winter shelter provision
• Translate organisational strategy into effective operational delivery plans
• Drive organisational improvement, innovation, and sustainable service growth
• Lead operational responses to emerging community need, organisational risk, and system pressures
• Support strategic planning, organisational development, and long-term sustainability
• Lead operational capital development initiatives across the organisation

Housing, Property & Supported Accommodation Executive Oversight of:

• Operational management, legal compliance, health and safety, quality assurance across all accommodation services
• Lead strategic partnerships with housing providers
• Manage delegated housing arrangements and supported housing pathways
• Maximise occupancy, sustainment, and positive move-on outcomes
• Oversee property-related risk management, maintenance coordination, and accommodation standards
• Lead the transformation and redevelopment of The Gathering Place, including partnership working with architects, infrastructure planning, and service design
• Oversee operational development planning for the Bramwell Booth building to support future service delivery and organisational growth

Safeguarding Operational Platform

• Lead organisational safeguarding strategy and systems
• Ensure SOP’s are in place to enable staff to respond effectively to complex needs including:
  • addiction
  • mental ill-health and physical health needs
  • dual diagnosis
  • homelessness
  • domestic abuse
  • offending histories
  • health exclusion
• Oversee serious incidents, risk management, and quality assurance processes
• Promote reflective practice, professional accountability, and safe service delivery
• Lead continuous safeguarding improvement and organisational assurance processes
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised safeguarding quality and excellence standards

Health Inclusion & Community Services

• Support development of innovative approaches addressing homelessness, substance use, poverty, and social exclusion
• Contribute to wider system responses focused on prevention, health equity, and community resilience

Corporate Governance, Compliance & Organisational Infrastructure

• Provide executive oversight of organisational governance, operational compliance, and corporate infrastructure
• Lead organisational responsibility for:
  • Human Resources
  • Health & Safety
  • Insurance and organisational risk
  • Operational systems and digital infrastructure
• Ensure robust organisational policies, procedures, and assurance frameworks are developed, implemented, and maintained
• Oversee compliance with employment legislation, health & safety standards, and contractual obligations
• Lead organisational risk management processes, incident oversight, and business continuity planning
• Ensure effective management of organisational insurance provision, liability protection, and risk mitigation
• Support governance reporting, operational assurance, and organisational accountability
• Develop quarterly Trustee and governance reporting packs in conjunction with Heads of Department and the CEO

Systems Development & Digital Transformation

• Lead the development and implementation of operational systems, reporting frameworks, and service infrastructure
• Design and embed systems that improve operational efficiency, safeguarding oversight, housing management, and service coordination
• Use data, insight, and performance analysis to improve outcomes and organisational effectiveness
• Support digital transformation, service modernisation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting systems to support organisational learning and strategic decision-making

Leadership, Workforce & Organisational Culture

• Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, retention, supervision, and staff development
• Promote staff wellbeing, reflective practice, and psychologically safe leadership
• Provide leadership oversight and strategic direction for volunteer services and volunteer programme development
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised volunteer quality standards, including the VSI Volunteer Excellence Award

Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Represent the organisation within strategic partnerships and multi-agency forums
• Work collaboratively with commissioners, funders, housing providers, and community partners

Financial Oversight & Sustainability

• Budget development and financial planning in conjunction with the CEO and Finance Team
• Support organisational sustainability through efficient service delivery
• Monitor operational performance, quality standards, and service outcomes
• Ensure effective governance, accountability, and operational compliance across all services

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience within homelessness, housing, health, social care, community, or voluntary sector services
• Extensive operational leadership experience across complex, multi-service environments
• Experience leading services supporting individuals with multiple disadvantage and complex needs
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and organisational risk management
• Experience managing accommodation-based and community support services
• Experience overseeing HR, compliance, governance, and organisational systems
• Experience leading quality assurance, risk, and compliance frameworks
• Strong partnership and stakeholder engagement skills across statutory and voluntary sectors
• Experience managing operational budgets, compliance frameworks, and performance systems

Desirable

• Experience working within homelessness, substance use, or health inclusion services
• Experience working within housing such as a registered housing provider
• Understanding of public health approaches and health inequalities
• Knowledge of housing legislation, supported housing models, and safeguarding frameworks
• Experience with digital transformation, systems implementation, and organisational modernisation

Key Attributes

• Values-driven and strongly committed to social justice and health equity
• Strategic thinker with strong operational leadership capability
• Calm, resilient, and decisive in complex and high-pressure environments
• Compassionate and emotionally intelligent leader
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence across systems and sectors
• Innovative, solutions-focused, and collaborative
• Committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and inclusive leadership

Job Title: Employment Consultant (Portsmouth/Southampton area)

Location: Home- and field-based with regular local travel (driving licence essential)

Salary: £33,174

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week (part time or flexible working options considered)

Contract: 2 years fixed term with possibility of extension

At The Poppy Factory, we believe that everyone who has served our country deserves the opportunity to build a fulfilling life beyond the armed forces. For over a century, we have stood alongside veterans and their families, evolving our services to support veterans and adult family members to overcome barriers to employment and transform their lives.

We are seeking a passionate and person-centred Employment Consultant to join our team. This is a role for someone who believes in potential, not limitations – someone who can walk alongside clients with empathy and determination, empowering them to take ownership of their employment journey.

You’ll provide tailored information, advice and guidance to help veterans secure meaningful and sustainable work, managing a diverse caseload with care and professionalism. Using coaching, mentoring and strengths-based approaches, you will help individuals identify their goals, build resilience and move confidently towards lasting employment outcomes.

Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You will develop strong partnerships with regional organisations to generate referrals and address wider barriers such as mental health, housing or addiction, while also building strong relationships with local employers to create real opportunities for your clients, and sharing best practice with your colleagues in the team.

With a strong understanding of local labour markets and safeguarding practices, you’ll maintain high-quality case records, contribute to continuous improvement, and actively participate in team development. Adaptability, initiative and resilience are key, as we respond to the evolving needs of our clients and the communities we serve.

Why The Poppy Factory?

• A chance to give back to our armed forces and make a positive and lasting impact to the lives of veterans and their families.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including generous holiday and pension contributions.
• A welcoming and empowering culture, with regular opportunities for team connecting and shared learning throughout the year.
• Variety in the role, a mix of delivering a community-based service in your region, home working and occasional visits to the historic Poppy Factory in Richmond, London
• The opportunity to develop your region and build relationships with employers and other support services that best meet the needs of the people you’re supporting.
• Be part of an iconic charity with a 100+ year history

For further information, including the full job description for the role, please refer to the candidate pack.

How to apply

To apply for this position please prepare your CV and a covering letter clearly outlining how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification as set out above and submit via the online application process. Please address your covering letter to Melanie Rignall, Services Manager.

For an informal conversation to find out more about this role, please call Melanie Rignall.

The closing date for this vacancy will be 2 May 2026. Please note, we cannot accept late or incomplete applications. Only applications submitted through the online process will be considered.

First stage interviews will take place on 8 May 2026, with second stage interviews scheduled for 13 May 2026. Please ensure you are available on these dates, as it’s not always possible to reschedule.

No agencies please.

Equality & Diversity

We are committed to equality, valuing diversity, and promoting inclusion within our workforce, including the volunteers who give their time to us.  We work to maintain an environment where the needs and aspirations of all employees are met, irrespective of characteristics protected under the legislative framework of the Equality Act 2010. We expect everyone to understand and accept their personal responsibility to recognise and value differences and the unique contributions that people make to the way we deliver our work.

As an equal opportunities employer our commitment is to take positive measures to recruit people from underrepresented groups, and we actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview for any job applicant with a disability who meets the essential criteria for the role. Please indicate in your covering letter if you wish to be considered under this scheme. We are also happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process to accommodate disabled candidates.

We are a family friendly employer and happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. We encourage applicants to contact us to discuss if they have any questions before applying.

Salary: £30.322 FTE (£15,161 pro rata for 18.75 hours)
Hours: 18.75 hours per week 
Location: Worcestershire, Herefordshire and across West Mercia, with national travel as required
Closing date: 03-07-2026 23:59
 
WMRSASC reserves the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified or a sufficient number of applications are received.
 
West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) is seeking to appoint an experienced, compassionate and highly motivated Early Intervention, Prevention and Assessment Practitioner to join our Purple Leaf service. This is an opportunity to contribute to specialist work aimed at preventing sexual harm and supporting children and young people, families, carers and professionals through high-quality assessment, consultation, intervention and training. The post also includes specialist assessment and intervention work relating to sexualised behaviours.

About the Role
As Early Intervention, Prevention and Assessment Practitioner, you will:

• Undertake risk and needs assessments and produce clear reports and recommendations
• Deliver psychological, psychoeducational and therapeutic interventions
• Manage a defined caseload of clients
• Work closely with children and young people, families, carers, professionals and partner agencies
• Develop and deliver specialist sexual violence training and educational resources
• Maintain accurate records, evaluation data and outcome reporting
• Help develop service policies, procedures and practice guidance
• Promote Purple Leaf and WMRSASC services locally and nationally
• Represent WMRSASC at meetings, events and through stakeholder engagement.

 
About You
We are looking for someone who brings both professional expertise and a strong commitment to survivor-centred, trauma-informed practice.
You will ideally have:

• A Level 3 qualification or above in social care, health care, community work, education, therapy or a related field
• Experience of working within the sexual violence field
• Experience of working with children and families
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and legislation and guidance relating to sexual violence
• The ability to provide non-judgemental, trauma-informed support
• Strong organisational, communication and crisis management skills
• Confidence working independently and collaboratively with multi-agency partners
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

 
Desirable qualifications include AIM Specialist or equivalent assessment training, Adult Learning certification, and a Level 3 qualification in Sexual Violence.

What We Offer
WMRSASC is committed to supporting and valuing its staff. We offer:

• Hybrid and flexible working
• 26 days annual leave plus 8 statutory holidays (pro rata), increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Benenden Health Scheme
• Accredited training and career development opportunities
• Regular management supervision and support

Safeguarding
WMRSASC is committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Relevant background checks and Disclosure and Barring Service checks will be required.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As an equal opportunities employer, WMRSASC is committed to ensuring the fair and equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
 
We aspire to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join WMRSASC.
 
This is an opportunity to join a specialist organisation making a meaningful difference to the lives of survivors and communities. We welcome applications from individuals who share our values and are committed to delivering high-quality, trauma-informed practice.
 
REF-228 965

About the programme: ABC Parents Programme

The ABC Parents Programme empowers parents from the most deprived wards in Enfield and Haringey to increase their confidence and improve appropriate use of services across health and social care through child health workshops and networks of peer-to-peer support for parents.

The programme is delivered in community venues by a range of staff working in children’s community health services and Child Health Champions. They are supported by multi-agency practitioners from the hospital, primary care and voluntary sectors in Enfield and Haringey.

The programme is delivered in partnership with North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust (NMUH), The Bridge Renewal Trust, Every Parent and Child, Public Health Haringey, NCL CCG and other local multi-sector agencies.

About the role: Child Health Community Champions

The Child Health Champions Lead will recruit and provide ongoing support to a small team of Child Health Community Champions (CHCC). This will include:

· Supporting professional development through carrying out training needs assessments of the CHCCs and identifying appropriate training

· Alongside the Project Coordinator, planning workshops incorporating CHCCs strengths

· Holding regular meetings and quarterly Wellbeing sessions with CHCCs

· Being responsible for the recruitment and deployment of creche workers where required

About you:

You will be an enthusiastic, motivated and caring individual who understands community engagement and has experience of successfully managing a community project and providing group leadership.

 

The Child Health Champions Lead will be employed by Every Parent & Child and will work as a member of the ABC Parents Program Team based at NMUH.

 

Duties/Responsibilities

1. Engaging Community Champions

· Actively recruit new Child Health Community Champions (CHCC) and support their training.

· Working with the CHCC, identify professional training needs, develop ideas through to delivery.

· Arrange regular meetings with the CHCC to provide support and seek feedback to support monitoring and the impact of their intervention.

· Liaise with the Project Co-ordinator in planning sessions/workshops, working to the strengths of the CHCC. The Child Health Champions Lead will be parent-facing, on-site at community sessions when required.

· To organise quarterly Wellbeing sessions for CHCC.

· To liaise with CHCC to manage their attendance at workshops.

· Regularly provide performance feedback to CHCC, supporting their professional development and maintaining motivation.

2. Development and Delivery of Workshops

· Attend and support all Health and Wellbeing workshops for Community Champions.

· Where appropriate, attend and/or support the workshops run by Community Champions.

· Maintain active communication with Creche workers, professionally responding to queries, and actively engaging in finding solutions to challenges.

· Where appropriate, to support the Project Co-ordinator with setting up the training room and resources, always observing Health and Safety risk to self and others.

· To maintain an accurate record of incidents arising at the workshops and report to the CEO and the ABC Parents Project Co-ordinator.

3. Engaging with Creche Workers

 

· Identify and recruit Creche workers, maintaining an active bank of workers on account.

· Liaise with Creche workers to ensure their attendance at workshops.

· To receive and verify invoices from Creche workers.

· To provide feedback to the Creche worker, thus ensuring they can respond effectively to the needs of the service.

4. Other Duties

· Complete DBS checks for all CHCC and to maintain accurate records.

· To understand, promote and implement Every Parent & Child’s equality policy, recognising social and cultural diversity in the delivery of services, management of facilities, contract management and staff/volunteer recruitment and management.

· To escalate Child Protection/Safeguarding concerns to the CEO and maintain an accurate record of all escalated concerns.

· To comply with the statutory provisions of all Health and Safety, associated legislations and all Trust policies and procedures, including commitment to ethical and environmentally sustainable practices.

· To be able to work flexible hours to meet service needs, including working some evenings and weekends.

· To work flexibly to meet the demands of the service.

· To undertake training relevant to the post.

· Constructively provide feedback on issues/concerns to the Project Co-ordinator and the CEO of Every Parent & Child.

· Undertake administration duties commensurate with the post.

· Contribute data regarding Champions activities for the quarterly reports and evaluation.

· Liaise with the Project Co-ordinator and the CEO of Every Parent & Child to produce data/reports as required for reporting purposes.

· Attend staff and other project-related meetings as necessary. These may be held over video and/or face-to-face in Enfield or Haringey.

· Maintain an updated mailing list, including, but not limited to, the Child Health Community Champions.

· Consistently demonstrate integrity and professionalism in carrying out the duties and be an ambassador for the service.

Prisoners Abroad is a unique human rights and welfare charity providing advice and support to people affected by overseas imprisonment. We help British people during their incarceration, when they return to the UK and need resettlement services, and we also support their family throughout the trauma. It doesn’t matter to us the reasons people find themselves in need of our services – and we never judge. Our range of services make sure they survive, mentally and physically, so that they can face the future with hope.

We are looking for a Philanthropy Officer to support and grow our well-established major donor programme at an exciting point in our organisational development, following the launch of our new five-year strategy.

About the role

As our Philanthropy Officer, you will support the delivery of our major donor programme, helping to steward a committed community of donors and ensuring that relationships, communications and records are managed accurately and professionally.

You will provide high-quality supporter care, carry out research to identify new prospects, and help coordinate cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activity so that donors feel valued and informed about the impact of their support.

Working closely with the Head of Giving & Communications and wider Fundraising team, you will support the planning and delivery of major donor activity, including coordinating communications and events, maintaining donor data and contributing to reporting.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for someone with around two years experience in fundraising, ideally with exposure to individual giving or major donor fundraising, and so this role would suit someone early in their fundraising career who is looking to specialise in major donor fundraising, and keen to learn how to build and steward high-value relationships that generates income and long-term support.

You will be highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. You will be a strong communicator, confident building relationships with supporters and colleagues, and motivated to deliver a high standard of supporter care.

To apply

To apply for this position, please read the job pack which provides lots of information about the charity, the role and how to apply.

The deadline for applications is 10am Thursday 18th June, however we will be reviewing applications as we receive them, so please apply when you are ready and you may be contacted about your application before the closing date. To ensure inclusivity, all applications received up to the closing date will be considered equally.

SEO London is an education and training charity that advances social mobility by empowering exceptional students to secure roles within competitive industries. 

We are a UK charity that unlocks potential and transforms careers. We empower students and young professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, bridging the gap between untapped talent and the world’s most competitive industries. Since 2000, our alumni have excelled in top global firms, proving that access and opportunity drive success.

The Role 
SEO Europe was launched in 2021, with its first France programme piloting in 2023. As we continue to grow our presence and impact in France, we are looking for a highly motivated Programme Coordinator to support the development and delivery of our student programmes and outreach initiatives. 

We have a strong focus on gender balance and social inclusion and are seeking someone who is passionate about helping more female students and other underrepresented students from low-income backgrounds build successful careers in competitive industries, particularly within finance and investment management. 

As a Programme Coordinator, you will play a key role in ensuring the seamless execution of all student-related events. This role involves gaining a comprehensive understanding of SEO London and SEO Europe’s programmes, the relevant industries, and integrating this knowledge within our organisation. You will liaise with students and partner firms to organise, execute, and promote successful events. 

In collaboration with the team, you will provide recommendations for enhancements and innovations to improve the student experience, while upholding a high standard of customer care. 

We are seeking a professional with a strong work ethic, who is adept at fostering robust working relationships and taking initiative in developing organisational processes. A thorough understanding of the French academic system and a genuine commitment to diversity and social mobility are essential. 

This position offers substantial responsibility and opportunities for professional advancement. 

If successful, you will sit within the France team of SEO Europe, where you will support the preparation and delivery of multiple impactful and engaging initiatives, such as: 

• SEO Potenti’ELLE events: Celebratory events showcasing inspiring women leaders, introducing the long-term vision for our female leadership programme, Potenti’ELLE, and providing networking opportunities for mentors and mentees.

• France Finance Programme: A 6-month career readiness programme where master’s students benefit from educational Lunch & Learn sessions, industry insight sessions, coaching, soft skills training and access to internship opportunities at top investment banks, asset managers and alternative investment funds.

• SEO Europe Finance Academy: A 1-month immersive event taking place online and in Paris, and designed to educate and train students intending to secure summer and off-cycle internships, while providing authentic exposure to top employers and demystifying the industry landscape and application process.

• Student Outreach: Implementing outreach campaigns to help recruit more students from engineering schools and public universities across France.

• Alumni engagement: Help structure and manage alumni engagement initiatives in Paris 

• Occasional trips to Paris to deliver in-person events and execute our student outreach strategy. 

Responsibilities and Accountabilities 

There are three main activities within the France team: 

• Outreach (student recruitment)

• Programme Delivery (education and training events for students)

• Alumni engagement (event and community management)

The Programme Coordinator will serve as the administrative officer for the France team. You will support the team as needed and have specific responsibilities for identifying and onboarding students at business schools, engineering schools and universities across France, both online (social media, email marketing, webinars) and offline (in-person campus events and sponsored events). 

You will also play a key role in executing our social media strategy and managing our presence across platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and WhatsApp. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Overall administration of student events, ensuring exceptional communication and coordination

• Event management, student and partner communication and coordination of all relevant stakeholders

• Posting job opportunities on our student portal and creating content for our newsletter

• Managing student queries and maintaining relationships

• Coordinating outreach programmes and managing our Student Ambassador network

• Identifying and onboarding students, while managing relationships with academic institutions and partners

• Maintaining working documents, event calendars and reports

• Thinking creatively to improve outreach programmes and support social media management

• Supporting the France team across programme delivery and partnership initiatives as needed 

• Ensuring all information and student data is managed in accordance with GDPR guidelines and updated in Salesforce

• Running reports to track and monitor programme activity and events through the CRM 

Person Specification 

Skills and experience 

We are looking for a proactive and highly organised individual who is passionate about diversity, inclusion and social mobility. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and building relationships with students, corporate partners and academic institutions. 

You should be a strong communicator with excellent organisational skills, a collaborative mindset and a genuine interest in helping students access competitive career opportunities. 

Skills and Experience 

Essential 

• Occasional travel to Paris

• Project management skills

• Interest in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Strong understanding of employability skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Ability to use Microsoft Teams and Zoom

• Team player with a proactive attitude

• Strong communication, organisation, time management and listening skills

• Strong business writing and presentation skills

• Fluent in both French and English

Desirable 

• Experience with CRM systems, ideally Salesforce

• Experience with databases and data analysis

• Outreach and networking experience

• Social media management experience

• Experience in communications and creating visual content

• Previous experience working with charities or associations focused on diversity and inclusion

• Experience working with postsecondary institutions or student clubs

Required qualifications 

• University degree (any discipline)

Candidates without the required qualification will still be considered if they can demonstrate at least one year of relevant and relatable work experience in a similar role. 

What we offer? 

• Annual Leave: 28 days + Bank Holidays. 

• Enhanced Family Friendly Policy. 

• Flexible working (2 days in the office) and a lovely office space by Borough Station. 

• Benefits: 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• And more… 

Main Purpose of Role:

· Devise and implement a mixed programme of community fundraising activities, to generate a sustainable source of unrestricted income to meet agreed targets.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Launch, implement and run innovative income generating projects to maximise donations to SWA, to look after relationships with existing donors and build on relationships created to ensure fundraising potential is optimised.
• Set up and manage a volunteer community fundraising team
• Organise and manage community fundraising activities (including digital) and events to maximise all fundraising opportunities and work to raise the profile of the SWA.
• Keep abreast of developments in the third sector relating to fundraising and have an awareness of the local competition for donations.

General Responsibilities:

Responsible for the Health, Safety and welfare of yourself and your colleagues, ensuring the duties and responsibilities are clearly understood and that legislative requirements are adhered to.

• Respect the confidentiality of all information obtained in the course of duties, perform and refrain from disclosing such information without written consent from management, except where disclosure is required by order of a Court of law.

• Maintain professional competence by complying, at all times, with the training and competence procedures set down by the Organisation. Generally, keep abreast of developments affecting your duties and responsibilities.
• Be aware of the Organisation’s Equal Opportunities Policy regarding both employees and service users to assist in eliminating all areas of inequality and discrimination.
• Become familiar with the aims, ethics and aspirations of the Organisation and to sustain and promote them. Participate enthusiastically in the growth and prosperity of the Organisation.
• Undertake any other business development/funding duties, as directed that can reasonably be accommodated within the salary range for the job and your expertise.

Job Description and Review

The job description reflects the present requirements of the post.  The description will be reviewed in consultation of the job holder as and when the duties and responsibilities change.  Such review will normally also take place at the Annual Appraisal Meeting.

Desirable

• Charity fundraising qualification
• Membership of Institute of Fundraising or other relevant professional body.
• Ability to speak Welsh

Essential

Experience 

• Minimum of two years’ experience in community fundraising with a proven track record of achieving funding target
• Experience in planning, organising and delivering fundraising campaigns, events and activities
• Developing and evaluating new opportunities for partnerships and community fundraising
• Raising funds via social media activities/digital marketing
• Experience of managing or working with volunteers to support fundraising activities

Knowledge

• Charity community fundraising
• Donations
• Proven knowledge of online fundraising tools, digital marketing and social media
• Regulatory knowledge to include Gift Aid, general data protection regulations and fundraising best practices.

Skills/Personal Qualities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, and experience with Customer Relationship Management software systems.
• Numerate and attentive to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate records
• Good networking skills
• A proactive self -starter who is able to work on their own initiative, managing and prioritising their work to meet agreed deadlines and targets
• An excellent communicator, with persuasive, engaging and creative writing skills
• Understanding of, and enthusiasm for, SWA’s work, mission and values
• A passion to raise funds for SWA

Other

• Full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle
• Able to lift and transport equipment
• Willingness to travel locally and to work occasional evenings and weekends

The Damilola Taylor Trust (DTT) is a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in May 2001 in memory of Damilola Taylor and registered as a charity in July 2001. Our founding mission is to provide inner-city youths with opportunities to play, learn and live their lives free of fear and violence, and with optimism for a future where opportunities abound.We develop the hope, optimism and self-esteem of young people so that they can: 

 Lead healthy lives;

Stay in School;

Grow up to become independent productive adults;

 Have lofty aspirations and work to attain their innate potential.

For over two decades, we have supported young people through mentoring, education, employability, personal development, life skills, and community engagement programmes that inspire hope, aspiration, confidence, and resilience. As we mark our 25th anniversary this year, we intend to strengthen organisational capacity, expand partnerships, and scale programmes that positively impact young people and communities across London. .

We are looking for an experienced, dynamic and motivated Programme Manager to lead the Damilola Taylor Trust’s Executive Team, sustain and scale our core youth-focused programmes in South London, providing consistent leadership and operational stability. 

As Programme Manager, you will 

• Manage delivery of the Career pathway programme for schools (CPPFS) courses, which help YP at risk of involvement in criminal activity to engage fully in education by addressing barriers to positive engagement through workshops and career- mentor support at Harris Academies in South London, with a view to reaching 150 students a year.
• Support and supervise the Project Coordinator to implement the project “From Tragedy to Legacy” to celebrate the legacy of Damilola Taylor while highlighting the impact the Trust has made in 25 years supporting young people in inner-city areas of London.
• Lead the Trust’s collaboration initiative with YouthBuild UK, a South London based charity that trains YP to be work ready in a variety of industries including construction, hospitality, customer care and IT to enhance impact of our Career Search and Skills Development (CSSD) programme.
• Design, develop and implement new programmes for delivery in-house or via third party delivery partners
• Agree the Executive Team’s work plan, lead, and motivate staff to create a high-performing team that sustains and scales the impact of our core youth-focused programmes.
• Taking the lead with day-to-day administration and management of the Trust’s programmes, you will maintain a database, produce written communications and reports, information leaflets, website updates, budget monitoring, and negotiate with delivery partners, and manage an array of detailed record keeping
• Contribute to organisational planning and development, including supporting our plan of building capacity to create the organisation required to achieve results that we are committed to
• Support our fundraising team through providing feedback, reports and information to support bid writing activities.
• Key working relationships
  • ​As leader of the Trust’s executive team, you will work closely with our finance service provider, line manage the Administration Officer and Project Coordinator, and be responsible for delivery of our programmes
  • You will develop good working relationships with our project delivery partners, while building in-house capacity for delivery of our main programmes as well as those developed in collaboration with other Social Providers such as YouthBuild UK 
  • Be involved in sector networking and awareness raising on behalf of the Trust.
  • Act as an ambassador for the Trust at all times

• Person specification -Specific experience or skillKey: (E) Essential; (D) Desirable. 

  • Experience of designing, developing and implementing charitable programmes especially to support development of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds (E)

  • Significant experience managing delivery of youth-focused programmes in a small but growing charity (E) 

  • Strong leadership and team skills to motivate, support and work with a team of youth workers (E) 

  • An excellent understanding and a proven track record of relevant experience working with young people (YP) from inner-city areas of high deprivation (E)

  • A positive attitude, high energy and enthusiasm for the work of the Damilola Taylor Trust (E)

  • Excellent communicator, planner and problem solver, a strong team player and an exemplary role model (E) 

  • Self-directed, self-motivated with the ability to work on own initiative to plan and manage own and a team’s workload (E)

• Knowledge, qualifications

  • ·Knowledge of situational leadership and general management practices (E)

  •      Knowledge of General Data Protection Regulations (E) 

  •      An understanding of safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults (E) 

  •      Current DBS certificate (E) but, for a suitable candidate, the post might be offered subject to DBS being obtained)

  • Degree or relevant experience of working in the Social Sector, and or as a Youth work (D)

  • Experience of programme development processes and tools (frameworks, theories of change) (E)

• Personal qualities

  • Commitment to own continuing personal and professional development

  • Commitment to the mission, vision and values of DTT

  • Flexibility to work in a hybrid job, place based; school locations and virtual

  • Commitment to effective relationship building and collaboration

• The Trust is a Safer Recruitment organisation.

About NEON 

NEON is a not-for-profit organisation committed to accelerating social movements. We build capacity and infrastructure to accelerate the transition to a new economy. We work across a wide range of progressive issues including climate, housing, healthcare, and migration and we support over 1,000 organisers across the UK working towards political, environmental, and social justice. Our theory of change is rooted in understanding both the strategies, stories, and structures required to sustain a movement. Short term, this results in improved movement infrastructure, skills, and connections; long term, it leads to robust relationships and movement alliances capable of systemic change. 

Context

NEON’s People & Operations Hub makes sure all our internal systems run smoothly and that our team is happy, high-performing and cared for. The People & Operations Hub brings together people, culture, operations, fundraising and finance, and plays a key role in making sure NEON is both high impact and a joyful place to work, at the heart of this is ensuring our values of respect, generosity and solidarity and anti-oppression principles are embedded into all internal practices.

As part of this, we’re currently looking for someone to support us for a defined period of time to review and refresh some of our core operational and compliance areas, and support us with discrete ops tasks as they arise. This includes reviewing, updating and embedding key systems and processes so that they are clear, usable and consistently followed across NEON. Alongside this, we want to create a NEON-wide handbook, so that we have a simple accessible place where people can find everything they need to know about how we do things at NEON. We also want to strengthen our guidance around event safety, both online and in-person, so staff feel comfortable and supported when planning and delivering work. It’s crucial for us that this work is developed in collaboration with the People & Operations Hub as well as the wider team. 

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is comfortable moving across operational and compliance work. Someone who has a solid understanding and experience in delivering high-level health and safety, data protection, IT and systems work, and other operational aspects of running an organisation, and can turn that into something practical, usable and genuinely helpful for our team. Someone who is self-motivated, comfortable working independently, and able to take ownership of pieces of work from start to finish

We’d love someone who has experience working closely in or within people and operations teams in small- medium sized not-for profits or charities, and who knows how to take complex or messy systems and make them simpler, clearer and easier to embed in day-to-day practice. We’re looking for someone aligned with our values of respect, generosity and solidarity and is well-versed in including anti-oppression principles into operational work. Someone who is motivated by working in a values-led organisation where decisions factor in culture, trust and care as well as the technical elements.

This person should be confident reviewing and improving systems and understands and is experienced in working closely with other people to do this, whether that’s with the Director of People and Operations to receive direction or troubleshoot, working alongside our Ops Assistant to put things into practice and draw on their organisational expertise, or engaging the wider team to elicit their ideas and challenges, and incorporate them into improvements. Similarly someone who is able to work with external support we have in place around IT, HR and data protection and translate their recommendations into practical action.

They’ll need to be able to hit the ground running and pick up discrete pieces of work, working thoughtfully and collaboratively with a team that’s juggling lots of different priorities. Aside from improving key pieces of work, the other core part of the role is bringing people with them, which will involve coaching and mentoring skills, a learning and development approach, and helping others feel confident taking on and owning this work.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who understands how to make organisations compliant and well-run in a way that feels proportionate, caring, and realistic for a team of our size. Someone who can embed these pieces of work, without overcomplicating things, and who can foster a sense of shared ownership. We’re also looking for someone who really cares about how operational work is truly embedded and put into practice across organisations, who thinks carefully about what happens after their involvement or support ends and knows how to build internal capability so work doesn’t stay dependent on them.

 

Key deliverables

By the end of the service period, the following outputs will have been delivered and fully embedded into NEON’s ways of working:

IT and systems

The freelancer will complete a high-level review of NEON’s current IT systems, identify key risks and gaps, and produce a set of recommendations. 

Outputs will include working with the People & Operations Hub to lead implementation and embedding of agreed improvements across tools and ways of working, including an improved GDrive structure, Google Workspace and IT security improvements and an IT and phones policy.

Data protection

The freelancer will complete a high-level review and strengthening of NEON’s GDPR and data protection approach.

Outputs will include updated core policies (GDPR policy, privacy notice, retention policy) and practical guidance to support consistent implementation across the organisation. It also includes delivery of staff training and further strengthening of our “Data Champions”.

Event processes

The freelancer will assess our current event-related practices (online and in-person).

Outputs will include clear, practical recommendations, strengthened guidance for managing event safety and risk in practice and staff training and support.

Health and safety

A review and update of NEON’s health and safety approach will be completed to ensure policies and processes are clear, practical and consistently applied.

Outputs will include an updated H&S policy, incident reporting process, risk assessment templates, and a simple event safety framework with guidance and checklists. It also includes delivering staff training and embedding of H&S practice across the organisation, including clarification of roles and responsibilities.

AI policy and guidance

The freelancer will research and develop NEON’s approach to AI use across the organisation, considering best practice, risks, opportunities, and the impact of AI on staff and NEON’s work. It should also include thoughtful consideration of the harms and ethical concerns associated with AI.

Outputs will include engagement with staff to understand current use and concerns, alongside the creation of clear and practical AI guidance and an organisational AI policy to support safe, thoughtful and consistent use of AI tools across NEON.

NEON Handbook

A NEON-wide handbook will be created, bringing together key processes, guidance and signposting to essential organisational information in one accessible place.

The handbook will be co-developed with staff and People & Operations Hub members to ensure it reflects day-to-day practice and is maintainable internally after completion.

Day-to-day operations support

The freelancer will provide additional operational capacity to support the Hub with emerging priorities, and time-sensitive pieces of work that arise during the contract period.

Outputs may include support with operational problem-solving and decision making, maintaining processes and procedures, providing subject knowledge expertise, maintaining documentation and other discrete operational tasks agreed with the Director of People and Operations.

A key part of this work will be ensuring that all outputs and improvements are properly embedded within the People & Ops Hub and the wider organisation. This includes creating clear documentation, guidance, training and handover processes so that NEON staff can confidently hold and maintain this work after the consultancy ends.

 

Timescales and fee schedule

The freelancer will be appointed and ready to engage from the end of July/ start of August 2026. We expect this work to be completed across two-three days per week for up to six months, ideally finished by the end of January or February 2027 (depending on start date). There may be a possibility of extension if other relevant and discrete projects arise and in agreement with the Director of People and Operations.

 

Call out information required

Interested freelancers are asked to provide the following information in response to this call out:

1. Brief career history and details of relevant assignments undertaken (this could be in the form of a CV)

2. A statement not exceeding 800 words on your proposed approach to the deliverables, including:

   1. Your technical and subject matter expertise

   2. Your personal style and approach to working with others

   3. How you will embed our values of respect, generosity and solidarity and anti-oppression principles into the deliverables

3. Your day rate, indicating whether VAT is payable (please note our indicative day rate that is aligned with our internal budget is £375)

4. A clear commitment to undertake the work within the timeframe set out above

5. Two testimonials from suitable clients or professional partners

The deadline for submissions is Sunday 28th June 11.59pm

Please find email address for submission of applications on our website.

We may wish to discuss submissions with you on Monday 6th July or Wednesday 8th July 2026. We will inform you if this is the case.

For any further information or clarification prior to submission, contact us at our website.

Are you an inspirational leader looking for your next challenge? Would you like the opportunity to lead a respected charity dedicated to helping people live well with sight loss and shape the future of accessible, inclusive support across York and beyond?

MySight York is an independent local charity supporting people to live independently, confidently and without barriers. Through a wide range of practical, emotional and social support services, including advice, counselling, befriending, digital inclusion, assistive technology support and its award-winning Eye Care Support Pathway, MySight York empowers people to make informed choices and live well with sight loss.

Driven by a vision of a York where people with sight loss can live independently, equally and without barriers, MySight York works tirelessly to champion accessibility, inclusion and equality. The charity supports around 1,700 people every year and is recognised nationally for its innovation, partnerships and leadership within the sight loss sector.

We now have a fantastic opportunity for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead MySight York into its next chapter, building on strong foundations while delivering an ambitious strategy that will expand the charity's reach, influence and impact.

The Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership, vision and direction for MySight York, ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, delivers high-quality services and continues to amplify the voices of people living with sight loss.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic leadership to deliver the organisation's vision, mission and strategic priorities.
• Working closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure strong governance, compliance and organisational sustainability.
• Leading, motivating and developing a committed team of staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of inclusion, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring the charity's long-term financial sustainability through effective financial management, fundraising and income diversification.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with funders, NHS partners, local authorities, community organisations and other key stakeholders.
• Acting as the principal ambassador and spokesperson for MySight York, championing accessibility, inclusion and the rights of people with sight loss.
• Driving innovation, digital development and service improvement to ensure support remains responsive to changing needs.

The Person

We are seeking an inclusive, compassionate and strategic leader who is passionate about making a meaningful difference to the lives of people with sight loss.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, public, voluntary or private sector.
• A strong track record of developing and delivering organisational strategy and leading change.
• Experience of working effectively with Boards of Trustees or equivalent governance structures
• Strong financial and operational management experience, with the ability to ensure long-term sustainability
• Excellent partnership-building, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Outstanding communication and leadership abilities, with the credibility to inspire staff, volunteers, trustees and external partners.
• An understanding of the disability, health or social care sectors and a genuine passion for MySight York's mission.

Why Join MySight York?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and ambitious charity at a significant point in its development. You will have the chance to:

• Deliver an ambitious organisational strategy and shape the future of support for people with sight loss.
• Lead a highly regarded organisation with a strong reputation.
• Influence policy, service development and accessibility initiatives locally and nationally.
• Build new partnerships and opportunities for growth.
• Work alongside a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and trustees who are committed to creating a more inclusive society.
• Make a lasting difference to the lives of people affected by sight loss.

If you believe you have the experience and leadership qualities to lead MySight York through its next phase of development, we would be delighted to hear from you.

If this sounds like the opportunity for the next phase of your career you can download the recruitment pack (attached) for more information. To apply please send your CV. 

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload, or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact either Jen or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.

We are looking for a dedicated and passionate manager to fill our Operations Manager post in West Yorkshire. You will oversee the West Yorkshire contract, ensure compliance against key performance indicators and manage the Team Leader and senior staff. You will have experience of working within a similar role, preferably within the voluntary sector and with a knowledge of the criminal justice system.

This is a full time hybrid role with an office base in Wakefield and the expectation to travel across West Yorkshire as part of the role. There may also be an occasional requirement to travel within Yorkshire and the Humber and occasional wider travel to attend events or other offices.

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

As an Operations Manager you will oversee the successful running of the West Yorkshire contract ensuring that we are meeting our contractual requirements and continually improving.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the delivery of excellent services for victims of crime promoting a clear person centred and trauma informed approach
• Ensuring compliance against key performance indicators, contractual and internal requirements
• Responsibility for the line management of team members including recruitment, training and development, supervision and support
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders across Victim Support
• Undertake data analysis, service audit and report presentation to improve service and showcase best practice
• Attend regular contract monitoring meetings and represent the service at external events
• Ensure compliance with policy, procedure and legislation including in relation to data, safeguarding and confidentiality
• Support the Area Manager to identify development opportunities and innovate within the service

About You

Ideally, you will have experience of managing teams, have an understanding of the criminal justice system and of working within the voluntary sector. You will be a compassionate individual with a passion for developing service for victims of crime. You will be able to motivate and manage teams and have an innovative outlook towards development.

You will need:

• Experience and knowledge of voluntary and statutory agencies, particularly in the criminal justice, health and social care sector
• Successfully managed diverse teams, utilising different working method to achieve high performance
• Experience of leadership and management and implementation of change management processes
• Ability to effectively manage demanding and competing work priorities, achieving successful results across team and service
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with partner agencies and stakeholders to improve service

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

About Us

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

We are looking for a dedicated, passionate and innovative manager to lead our Humberside services. You will oversee services across Humberside. You will be a manager with experience of leading teams, developing services and innovating to increase and improve service provision.

This is a full time hybrid role with an office base in Hull and the expectation to travel across Humberside as part of the role. There may also be an occasional requirement to travel within Yorkshire and the Humber and occasional wider travel to attend events or other offices.

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

As an Operations Manager you will oversee the successful running of the Humberside contract ensuring that we are meeting our contractual requirements and continually improving.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the delivery of excellent services for victims of crime promoting a clear person centred and trauma informed approach
• Ensuring compliance against key performance indicators, contractual and internal requirements
• Responsibility for the line management of team members including recruitment, training and development, supervision and support
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders across Victim Support
• Undertake data analysis, service audit and report presentation to improve service and showcase best practice
• Attend regular contract monitoring meetings and represent the service at external events
• Ensure compliance with policy, procedure and legislation including in relation to data, safeguarding and confidentiality
• Support the Area Manager to identify development opportunities and innovate within the service

About You:

Ideally, you will have experience of managing teams, have an understanding of the criminal justice system and of working within the voluntary sector. You will be a compassionate individual with a passion for developing service for victims of crime. You will be able to motivate and manage teams and have an innovative outlook towards development.

You will need:

• Experience and knowledge of voluntary and statutory agencies, particularly in the criminal justice, health and social care sector
• Successfully managed diverse teams, utilising different working method to achieve high performance
• Experience of leadership and management and implementation of change management processes
• Ability to effectively manage demanding and competing work priorities, achieving successful results across team and service
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with partner agencies and stakeholders to improve service

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

About Us

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

The overall purpose of the role is to lead and coordinate meaningful participation and engagement opportunities for children, young people and adults to shape services, influence decision-making and ensure the voices of lived experience are central to organisational development. The postholder will support in designing, delivering and evaluating initiatives that build trust, inclusion and empowerment.

Main Responsibilities

• To co-ordinate and provide safe spaces for children, young people and adults to participate in user- led activities and projects.
• To be a key link between children, young people and adults within our participation service and staff, making sure their voices and experiences are heard.
• To recruit and engage children, young people, and adults, to enable them to feel comfortable to join our Participation service.
• To support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement to develop opportunities for children, young people, and adults to be actively involved throughout the organisation.
• Lead and facilitate small scale participation projects.
• To maintain records of all interactions with stakeholders, using Salesforce.
• To be able to work flexibly, including regular evening and occasional weekend work in response to participants availability.
• Support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement in planning and facilitating forums.
• Work with people with lived experience of bereavement to create meaningful content and service recommendations.
• Work across the organisation sharing, promoting and training in best practice in participation.
• To assist in planning, organising and delivering participation events (virtually and in-person).
• Ensure that a range of voices are heard, with particular focus on EDI.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of members of the participation service through adherence to the organisation’s safeguarding policy and practice.
• Maintain accurate records throughout all services, complying with the organisation’s recording and reporting requirements.

Communication and Relationships

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with children, young people, families, adults, and stakeholders to create safe and inclusive spaces for participation.
• Facilitate group and one-to-one engagement sessions using creative and accessible methods to ensure diverse voices are heard and valued.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including service delivery, communication, marketing and fundraising to embed participation principles across all areas of work.
• Represent the organsiation externally at meetings, events and networks, sharing insight from lived experience to inform sector-wide learning.
• Translate feedback and participation outputs into clear reports, presentations or creative formats that inform decision-making.
• Demonstrate empathy, confidentiality and active listening when engaging with individuals or groups who may have experience loss and trauma.
• Establish excellent internal working relationships with peers and colleagues.
• Model the values and culture of the organisation in interactions and relationships at work.
• Adapt communication style and approach to suit the needs, preferences, and emotional states of children, young people and adults, including those with neurodiverse profiles or communication difficulties.
• Provide clear, compassionate explanations of support options, safeguarding procedures, and next steps to children, young people, adults and families.
• Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a safe and supportive environment for children, young people and adults.
• Respond to challenging or emotionally charged situations with sensitivity, professionalism, and a focus on empathy and support.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of communications and decisions in line with organisational policies and data protection regulations.

 Knowledge, training and experience

• Proven experience in youth participation, community engagement, co-production, or related areas, ideally within charity, education or health and social care sector.
• Understanding of participation frameworks, rights-based approached and trauma-informed practice.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of grief, loss, trauma, child development, and the psychological and social impact of bereavement on children, young people, families and adults.
• Experience in facilitating groups, workshops, and creative engagement activities both in-person and online.
• Ability to translate engagement insight into practical feedback and recommendations
• Adhere to legislation and statutory guidance related to Safeguarding Children and Young People, Safeguarding Adults, and the Mental Capacity Act.
• Participate actively in clinical supervision and reflective practice to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery.
• Contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the team by supporting training, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities.

Analytical and judgment skills

• Ability to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback and identify key themes, trends, and areas for improvement.
• Exercise sound judgement in managing sensitive information, ethical boundaries and participant confidentiality.
• Assess engagement risks and implement appropriate boundaries and referrals in line with safeguarding policies.
• Critically evaluate participation initiatives and contribute to evidence-based practice through reflection, evaluation tools and reporting.
• Balance organisation priorities with participant needs, ensuring representation remains authentic rather than tokenistic.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful data recording and reporting to inform practice, service evaluation, and organisational performance monitoring.

Planning and organisational skills

• Plan, coordinate and deliver participation activities, forums and events with clear objectives, timelines and outcomes.
• Support the development of annual participation calendars or frameworks as needed.
• Manage competing priorities across multiple projects, ensuring timely communication with internal teams and external partners.
• Maintain accurate records, consent forms and participation data using appropriate digital systems.
• Support logistical arrangements including venue booking, accessibility adjustments, transport and safeguarding measures.
• Contribute to strategic planning by identifying emerging themes, opportunities for partnerships and areas for innovation.
• Provide cover and support for participation and engagement team members during periods of absence or high demand.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and reflective capacity, using supervision and peer support to sustain personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness.
• Contribute to the development of efficient, evidence-based practices by supporting team planning, service evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum 3 years’ experience of working with children and young people or adults in health, social care, youth, community or education setting
• Experience of advocating for the interests of children, young people or vulnerable adults or individuals from ethnically diverse communities
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience of tailoring these to a wide range of audience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with children, families, and professionals while maintaining professional boundaries at all times
• Experience of facilitating participation groups both in person and online
• Knowledge of different facilitation approaches and methods
• Demonstratable experience of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and an ability to practice in a way that promotes this
• Experience of building trusting relationships with children, young people, and adults creating safe space
• Passion for the power of Voice and Lived Experience
• Understanding of the challenges that participation work can present, and experience of how to overcome this
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with external organisations
• Emotional maturity, stability and resilience with a strong commitment to self-care and the ability to seek support and guidance when difficulties arise in the course of work
• Strong IT skills, including confidence in using multiple IT systems

Desirable

• Experience of working in bereavement sector

Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.
• TOIL for our hours work.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Company sick pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance.
• Training loans.
• Enhanced family friendly policies.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 16th June 2026 at midnight

Winston’s Wish reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Please refer to our recruitment pack for further details on the interview process.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

About us

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it.

This is an extremely exciting time to join the team, as we anticipate the implementation of new homelessness legislation that holds the potential to be world leading and seek to develop relationships with the newly elected Senedd and Welsh Government.

You will lead our agenda in Wales to achieve positive and lasting change to end homelessness. This is an extremely exciting time to join the team, as the Wales Government introduces homelessness prevention legislation that will be world leading.

Location: Crisis Skylight South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA14DQ. Option of hybrid working from home (minimum 1 day a week in the Skylight) with the ability to travel across Wales and within the UK for training and meetings.

Contract: Fixed term up to 11 months (available as a secondment)

Salary: £57,452 per annum

About the role

As Head of Policy and Communications in Wales you will lead a team working across policy, public affairs and communications to deliver the changes needed to address homelessness in Wales. After the formation of a new government in Wales, this role will be working closely with politicians, government officials, sector leads, and people with lived experience of homelessness to ensure Crisis’ goal of ending all forms of homelessness in Wales is a priority and bring about the changes needed to meet this goal.

About you

To be successful in this role you will have excellent knowledge and experience of developing and securing policy change at a national government level and raising the profile of an organisation through advocacy and strategic communications.

Ideally you will have experience across policy, public affairs and media work, and excel at building stakeholder relations. You will be an experienced spokesperson and understand how to communicate policy matters in a simple and concise way. You will have understanding and knowledge of developing policy and influencing objectives informed by frontline staff and working with people with lived experience of an issue and staff.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 14th June at 23:59

Interview date and location: Friday 26th June, in-person at Crisis Skylight South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA1 4DQ

AI in Job Applications

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

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.

For more information about our work please visit

@Crisis_Cymru on Instagram

@CrisisWales on X

Crisis Skylight South Wales on Facebook

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094