Volunteer project officer jobs

Pattern Church was launched in December 2018 by the Diocese of Bristol as a Revitalisation Trust Resource Church with a vision of inviting people into family to serve Swindon. Since then, the church has grown rapidly, planted two new churches (The Well and The Light Church), and become a hub of mission and community life across the town.

The Director of Operations is part of the leadership of the church, providing the organisational, financial, and strategic backbone that enables mission and ministry to flourish. They will work closely with the Senior Leader, Trustees, and wider staff team to turn strategic vision into practical reality, ensuring strong governance, robust systems, sound stewardship, and an effective, faith-filled culture across all areas of church life.

Our team culture is shaped by GRACE—we are Growing, Reliant, All-in, Championing, and Expectant. Everyone gets involved. There is a clear sense of what we’re trying to achieve together in serving God and helping people find and grow in faith in Jesus. 

We are living in a moment of remarkable spiritual opportunity. Research shows a sharp rise in openness to faith among younger generations, something we see reflected in our own ministry and growth. The opportunities before us are significant, and the Operations Director will play a pivotal role in enabling us to step into this season with confidence and clarity.

For a full job description and information about how to apply, please head to the Pattern Church website.

Closing date: March 10th

Interviews w/c March 16th

To apply please send a CV and a cover letter by email. In your cover letter please highlight how your experience and skills relate to the job description and essential skills.

Thanks to funding received from Building Communities Trust Invest Local Programme, Thanks to funding received from Building Communities Trust Invest Local Programme, The Coalfields Regeneration Trust are currently looking for a dynamic person to support community action within the community of Cefn Golau. This role will require you to support the delivery, including hands on delivery, of programmes of work identified in the Cefn Golau Driving Change Plan working with the Building Communities Trust Invest Local Officer, Cefn Golau Together, residents, volunteers, groups, stakeholders and partners. The role will be to manage and develop a community venue with the aim of sustaining community activities and services beyond the Invest Local funding. You will also work with partner organisations to address any gaps in provision identified with the local community.

To secure this great opportunity you will have: excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively across all sectors, a demonstrated ability to overcome challenges, excellent organisational skills a strong track record in community development as well as an understanding of delivering against a development plan.

CEO

Are you passionate about helping older people to live well in later life? Do you also have the strategic skills and operational experience to make a real difference at our charity as CEO? Then we'd love to hear from you.

This is a great opportunity to use your senior leadership experience to support the local community. You'll have the ability to recognise the needs and opportunities to develop the range of services we offer as well as the commercial acumen to ensure the financial sustainability of our charity. 

So, if you are a visionary and practical leader, ready to contribute to the next phase of our journey, we want to learn more about you.

Position: CEO

Location: Sutton SM1 4LE (Flexible working possible with a minimum of three days in the office. A four-day week would be considered for the right candidate) 

Hours: Full-time (35hrs/week),

Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 per annum

Duration: Permanent

Closing Date: Monday 2nd March

What matters?

Join an organisation whose vision is of a Sutton where every older person lives well, feeling connected and valued with the confidence and support they need to thrive. The mission is to ensure that later life is lived with dignity, purpose, and independence.

The team champion positive ageing, promote mental well-being, and advocate for change where needed. They celebrate the diverse cultures, communities and environments that make up society.

Values live at the heart of everything. They form part of the culture, shaping the organisation and staff and volunteers:

• compassionate
• generous
• honest
• resourceful
• respectful
• united
• local

If you join the team

You’ll be part of a charity that supports its staff and volunteers to develop professionally and to learn new skills. You can enjoy an open and participative working environment, and as CEO, you’ll encourage this.

You will have a dedicated and experienced support network which includes the Board Chair, and a strong senior management team. We want you to bring inspiring and compassionate leadership, building success in a positive and inclusive organisational culture.

Joining here means a commitment to advancing the mission of the charity and making a lasting impact on the well-being of the older community. You’ll also maintain focus and a sense of humour amidst significant plate-spinning!

Join a flexible employer that pride itself on being a family and carer-friendly workplace.

What we are looking for

We need the CEO to be resilient, flexible and adaptable. This approach will influence and develop external partnerships, growing the organisation’s income and reputation.

We are particularly seeking someone to:

• shape the ongoing AUKS organisational strategy and be involved in its delivery to ensure success and sustainability
• support the Board in delivering its charitable objectives efficiently and effectively
• champion equity, diversity and inclusion, understanding the demographic needs of local older people
• maximise efficient use of all AUKS’ human, financial and other resources.

The Organisations

Join an independent charity dedicated to helping older people in the community to live well in later life. By providing vital information, expert advice and practical support, this work enables older people to make informed decisions on finances, health and care.

Other areas of experience may include CEO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive Officer, COO, CFO, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Executive Officer. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) is an international non-governmental organisation which works to amplify the voices of rural women globally.  We are looking for an Executive Director for our small Central Office team which works with member organisations and individuals in the UK and around the world to ensure that rural women are represented, recognised for their critical importance in society, and have a platform to influence policy makers.  We combine advocacy and small-scale, women-led development projects designed by the local women who will implement them for the benefit of their communities.

This an exciting time to join ACWW in the lead up to our centenary and planning for the 32nd Triennial World Conference in 2029.  We are looking to appoint an Executive Director as our current Executive Director will be retiring this summer.

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Board of Trustees and working with colleagues and trustees to foster relationships, partnerships and collaborations with individuals, funders and networks in line with the Association’s objectives, priorities and values. You will have an important contribution to make in all aspects of the Association.

We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion.  We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

This role is offered as full-time.  If you have successful charity sector experience, ability to build and maintain positive relationships and are looking to work for a charity focused on championing women’s empowerment and advocating for change, we’d like to hear from you. Please see application pack for further details and to apply.

We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Church Buildings Support Officer to help secure the long‑term, sustainable future of our historic church buildings—places of worship, community, culture, and heritage. In this vital role, you'll support congregations and community volunteers in caring for their buildings and championing their use for mission, ministry, and wider community benefit.

You will work across the Diocese to provide expert advice on building maintenance, heritage conservation, project management, funding, and community engagement—ensuring these unique buildings remain active, cared for, and sustainable for generations to come.

21 Hours per week to be worked over Monday to Friday, with some occasional evening and weekend meetings

Company Description

Healthwatch Essex is an independent organisation dedicated to amplifying the voices of Essex residents who use health and care services. With legal authority under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, Healthwatch Essex encourages individuals to share their experiences to help improve healthcare delivery across the county. Through research and engagement, the organization provides evidence-based recommendations to the NHS and social care authorities. Additionally, it operates a confidential information service to help residents navigate the healthcare system and access the support they need. 

Role Description

The Information and Guidance (IAG) Officer will sit within the IAG team and support work across the organisation, feeding into a range of exciting projects and opportunities. They will manage to deliver a variety of engagement activities, support individuals who contact the service via phone, email or at face-to-face events, and work closely with the staff, volunteer ambassadors and local stakeholders. 

The post holder will have some knowledge and experience of health and social care and outreach/engagement, as well as experience of planning and facilitating meetings, organising their own diary and directly supporting members of the public and writing short reports. The role requires flexibility and multi-tasking, as well as the confidence to work independently, and as part of a busy and productive team. Excellent communication skills are vital, along with a passion for engaging with people and hearing their experiences.

Day-to-day responsibilities of the post holder will be supported by the Information and Guidance Manager. All work will be fully explained and support will be offered by their line manager and wider senior management team. 

Other work will be varied, but the main purpose will be to ensure that our influence is maximised through the delivery of high-quality and well evidenced reports, taking part in events and activities that will capture and articulate the voice and lived experience of the people of Essex. 

Skills

You'll need to show:

·excellent communication skills

·strong interpersonal skills, to deal with a diverse range of people and their differing needs

·experience of managing or coordinating projects and volunteers (paid or unpaid)

·the capacity to inspire and motivate others

·the ability to deal with information in a confidential manner and respond with sensitivity

·good organisational skills and the ability to manage a variety of tasks

·administrative and IT skills, and an ability to maintain records and produce clear written and oral reports

·experience of working across different sectors and developing links with other agencies

·a flexible and non-judgmental approach to people and work.

·proactivity in travelling frequently across the county.

Closing date: 27th February 2026 1pm

Salary: £25,000

1 Year Fixed Term

The Opportunity 

The Finance and Operations Manager will provide financial expertise and support the Head of Finance & Operations (HFO) to deliver high quality financial management in budgeting, forecasting, and monthly reporting.

The role will also support the HFO in the organisation's operations functions, ensuring that legal and operational governance is delivered on time and to a high standard, that SMF is is compliant in Health & Safety (H&S), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), insurance and other operational matters. The role holder will provide support leadership on the organisation's IT function and deliver training to all teams in matters concerning finance and operations. 

Location: We operate a hybrid model of work i.e. a combination of in-person and remote, with flexible days in the office depending on business need and your preferences. We would typically expect in-office attendance an average of one day per week.

When in the office you will be based in one of our regional offices (either Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester or Newcastle – depending on preference and accessibility). This is where you will usually attend in-person events, training sessions etc. though some travel, to other offices and other locations, will occasionally be expected.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: We are looking for the right candidate and while we envisage this being a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) we are open to flexible working arrangements such as part-time, compressed hours, flexitime and job-shares. 

Occasional/frequent evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Finance:

• Oversee the day-to-day financial management and cash flow of the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) working closely with the HFO, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Operations team. 
• Ensure that our accounting software is consistently up to date with the correct information.
• Work with the HFO on management information to enable the SMT and trustees to monitor progress and performance, make effective decisions and plan for the future.
• Financial information to support income development including budgets, income tracking and analysis and funder reports.
• Support the development of the annual organisational budget with the HFO, in liaison with the CEO and management team and provide support in developing departmental / project budgets as relevant.
• Manage how the organisation applies and reports on VAT. 
• Alongside our appointed accountants prepare Year End accounts, end of project accounts, and work with the appointed accountants to ensure the Accounts are completed, approved, and filed on time.
• Manage and improve our financial systems and procedures, streamlining internal processes to ensure they are effective and safeguard the finances of the organisation.
• Devise and implement effective and efficient procedures, including the introduction of a purchase order system and a new ethical procurement policy.
• Maintain the payroll function of the organisation and be the lead point of contact with our external payroll provider. 
• Conduct reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities.

2. Operations:

• Support the Data Protection Officer (the HFO) for the organisation, in liaising with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) appropriately, ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of and trained in the relevant Data Protection policy and procedures, and ensure that the organisation meets its Data Protection requirements.
• Support the HFO in overseeing operational matters such as insurance, H&S, buildings maintenance and asset register; work closely with the management team to ensure awareness, compliance, and procedures that are effective and efficient for staff and volunteers. Where appropriate, escalate concerns and issues to HFO.

3. Strategic Responsibilities:

• Work closely with management and trustees to provide and develop financial and operational expertise; contribute appropriately to the development and management of organisational strategies, service proposals and development of the organisation.
• Lead on the appropriate understanding and training at each level of the organisation on how operational and financial systems work and support their role.
• Ensure that financial and operational policies and procedures meet the highest standards, reflect the charity’s ethos effectively and support the organisation’s strategic development; champion inclusivity (including Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)) and sustainability (in the widest sense).

4. Line Management

• Day-to-day people management
• Outline outcomes to be achieved, considering individual skills, capabilities, and workload to ensure a balanced distribution of work
• Review work outputs, monitor and quality assure work
• Manage and report on performance; deliver performance reviews
• Identify training and development needs; employ a coaching approach, and clarify opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth
• Recruit and induct new team members  
• Reasonably support well-being: provide a supportive work environment, and address any issues that may impact the well-being and morale of your reports

See attached job description for more detail on the key responsibilities in the role

Person Specification:

We need someone who will demonstrate our organisational skills-based competencies - as listed below: 

1.  Leadership
2.  Communication
3.  Adaptability
4.  Professionalism 
5.  Decision-making

Technical knowledge, understanding and experience required:

Essential:

• Part/fully qualified as an Accountant, or equivalent relevant experience
• Significant experience of working in a finance role in an organisation with a turnover of £1m or more  
• Hands on experience of maintaining a financial software package 
• Experience of working with financial systems to prepare financial reports and management accounts
• Experience in managing the operational aspects of an organisation, including risk assessments, GDPR etc.  
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of bookkeeping and general financial and accounting principles  
• Numerate and able to use an accounting software package  
• IT Literate, including experience of Microsoft Office software and excellent skills in using Excel and Word  

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a finance role for a charity
• Experience of Accounts IQ accounting package
• Experience of preparing finance reports relating to project grants/restricted funding from a range of donors 
• Knowledge of charity accounting and the Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) 
• Knowledge of Salesforce CRM

See attached job description for more detail on the person specification

Ways of working:

• Most of our work is office based, but you will spend a lot of time collaborating with other teams and clients via email, telephone and other communications channels such as Teams or Zoom. 
• Some travel will be required as part of this role to other offices and locations, as needed for events, work placements and meetings. 

Benefits

• 36/37 days' annual leave (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays), with 3 of these days reserved for the annual end of year office closure.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• 5% Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced matching employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website by 23:59, Sunday 22nd February and answer the following questions:

1) Why would you like to work at the Social Mobility Foundation? (250 words max.)

2) What makes you a suitable candidate for this role, including specific examples from your experience and skills? (500 words max.)

3) Tell us about a time when you managed an important relationship with a corporate partner, client or external stakeholder. What was your role in maintaining the relationship, and what did you learn about effective account management from the experience? (500 words max.)

Be the spark that turns creativity into impact.

​Help Age Exchange grow arts & heritage programmes that change lives in social care.

Age Exchange—embedded in social care and powered by the arts—is hiring a Business Development Manager to ignite partnerships and funding that deliver innovative programmes across the UK. If you come from museums, galleries, archives or cultural organisations and can spot opportunities, craft compelling bids and open doors fast, this is your stage. Lead the growth of projects that boost health, wellbeing, learning and social connection—so creativity reaches the people who need it most.

The role will require someone who can work from our head office in Blackheath and the role will include some national travel as and when required so the ideal candidate will be based within an hours commute of the Community Hub in Blackheath, London. 

What is The Deal for you?

• Flexibility! You will be working 35 hours per week over 5 days with some weekend work.
• Location: You need to be based within a commutable distance to our Community Hub in Blackheath, London.
• Benefits: retail discounts, holiday discounts, cycle to work scheme and travel discounts through our benefits app
• Best Lives Possible: You'll be working for an award winning charity who is passionate about ensuring our colleagues and the people we support lead the best lives possible 
• Development: We'll work with you to develop your career or to learn and experience new things. We're passionate about developing our people!
• Support: From our Employee Assistance Programme (available 24/7), financial support options, and wellbeing fund you'll have the support available to lead an easier (financial) life

This role will design and secure a portfolio of national and local strategically aligned, market-relevant and impactful programmes which use arts, culture and creativity to achieve a positive impact on our target audiences. These programmes will empower the health, wellbeing, learning, social mobility and social connection of people supported by Age Exchange and Community Integrated Care. The role holder will play an essential role in leading the growth, reach and sustainability of Age Exchange by generating funding and commercial revenue and new partnerships.

​What You'll do (list not exhaustive):

• Win funding & partnerships that fuel our programmes and core costs—trusts & foundations, corporates/sponsorships, individual giving, and earned income.
• Build and manage a high-quality pipeline—prospect, cultivate, write compelling bids/proposals, negotiate, and steward partners.
• Collaborate across the delivery team—aligning with colleagues so proposed projects and tenders are fundable, impactful, and on-brand.
• Report outcomes & learn—own quarterly KPI reporting and iterate approaches to hit clear income and partnership targets.

Our ideal Candidate:​

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
• Proven success in bid writing and securing projects/tenders of £250k+.
• Strong experience in fundraising, commercial development, and project management within a funded environment.
• Creative thinker with the ability to design innovative programmes aligned to strategic objectives.
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging stakeholders at senior levels.
• Skilled communicator and presenter, able to craft compelling proposals and pitches.
• Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet).
• Bring proven success in the arts or heritage sector (e.g., museums, galleries, performing arts, creative health, community arts) with a track record of securing grants and/or sponsorships.
• Are a confident storyteller and bid writer who can turn creative ideas into fundable, strategically aligned propositions.

Why join us ?

• Be part of a nationally recognised charity making a real difference in people’s lives.
• Lead ground-breaking projects that combine creativity and social impact.
• Work in a collaborative, values-driven environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Success in this role means:​

• Meeting funding and growth targets.
• Delivering a diverse portfolio of innovative programmes.
• Enhancing the charity’s profile through impactful projects and partnerships.

Ready to make a difference ?
Apply now and help us shape a future where arts and creativity empower communities across the UK.

​Please note, if you are interested in this role, we welcome your application as soon as possible! Depending on the volume of applications received, the vacancy may be closed before the expected advertising end date.

​We’re really proud to be a Hive HR Employee Voice Certified organisation, a recognition that confirms our commitment to creating a culture where our colleagues are not only encouraged to share their thoughts, but where this feedback is actively sought and acted upon to drive positive change at every level.

In our 2025 Colleague Engagement Survey, 59% (nearly 3,800) of our people shared their feedback and insights, giving us an incredible Employee Net Promoter Score of +34.

The Employee Net Promoter Score is a measure of how willing our colleagues are to recommend us as a good place to work to their loved ones – and a score of +34 is considered a Very Good score when compared to global benchmarks set by hundreds of other organisations.

We are seeking a part-time Head of Finance and Operations to play a key role in supporting the smooth and effective running of CASE Europe’s London office. Reporting to the Co-Executive Directors, with a matrix line to the global Chief Financial Officer, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to combine strategic oversight with hands-on delivery across finance, HR and office operations.

Working closely with colleagues in Europe, Washington DC and Singapore, you will oversee regional budgeting and financial management, support audits and compliance, and ensure alignment with CASE’s global systems and processes. You will also lead HR activity for the Europe team of 15, manage office operations, and line-manage a small number of staff and matrix reports.

You’ll benefit from a range of workplace benefits including flexible working, season ticket loan, professional development opportunities, and on-site social and wellbeing activities. 

This role is ideal for an experienced finance and operations professional from a charity, membership or education-related setting who enjoys working autonomously, collaborating internationally, and contributing to a mission-driven organisation.

Icon, the Institute of Conservation, is looking for an experienced and collaborative Groups and Public Programmes Lead to help us empower our volunteer community and bring the value of heritage conservation to wider audiences.

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this new role will support Icon’s volunteer-led specialist Groups, helping deliver inspiring events, talks, training and activities that celebrate and share widely the importance of conservation.

You’ll develop and lead Icon’s public engagement programme – creating partnerships with charities, schools and community organisations, coordinating studio visits and workshops, and championing opportunities for conservators to connect with new audiences. You’ll also design and deliver volunteer training, support Group committees, and line‑manage our Groups & Public Programmes Administrator.

We’re looking for someone with experience delivering creative or cultural programmes, supporting volunteers, and managing partnerships. Strong communication, organisational skills and a passion for heritage are essential.

Icon is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The Vacancy

Individual Giving Officer 

Salary: £30,255 - £37,732 
Location: Remote with occasional travel to Downton / London for meetings.
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week 
Contract: Permanent position 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Individual Giving Officer (Retention) to join the Commercial Directorate at Help for Heroes and play a key role in building long-term supporter relationships that help fund life-changing support for the Armed Forces community. 

About the Role 

As Individual Giving Officer (Retention), you’ll sit at the heart of how Help for Heroes builds long-term, sustainable income. You’ll lead the delivery of multi-channel retention campaigns and fundraising appeals that strengthen supporter relationships, increase lifetime value and ensure our supporters feel valued, informed and inspired to continue their support. 

You’ll own retention activity across cash giving, lottery and regular giving - shaping campaigns from idea through to delivery, optimisation and evaluation. Using insight and performance data to continually refine supporter journeys, test new approaches and ensure every communication adds value to the supporter experience. 

You’ll lead on the delivery of direct mail appeals, following the process through from concept ideation to data briefing, from sourcing impactful content, managing the print process, to the final appeal landing with supporters. Importantly, the appeals will be across a variety of channels in addition to direct mail, and you’ll be at the forefront of leading post campaign reviews. 

Working closely with the Individual Giving Officer (Acquisition), you’ll help create a seamless journey from first gift to long-term loyalty.

This role offers real autonomy, variety and influence, with your work directly contributing to a strong, engaged supporter base and long-term income growth.

About You 

You have experience delivering direct response marketing campaigns and enjoy seeing how insight, data and creativity come together to drive results. You’re confident managing multiple campaigns, working with stakeholders and suppliers, and motivated by continuous improvement. 

You’ll thrive in this role if you: 

• Love building long-term supporter relationships 

• Enjoy taking ownership and seeing campaigns through end to end 

• Use insight and analysis to inform decisions and improve performance 

• Are organised and detail-focused 

• Value collaboration and shared success 

• Care about delivering work that is compliant, ethical and supporter-first 

About the Team 

You’ll join our Individual Giving team, committed to growing our supporter base and delivering meaningful, engaging experiences that inspire long-term support. 

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation and external agencies, the team values innovation, learning and collaboration - always keeping supporters at the heart of what we do. 

In return we can offer you: 

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion. 

• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate! 

• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year. 

• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade. 

• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.

• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member. 

• Discounts on our branded clothing, including a free Help for Heroes hoody when you complete your induction. 

Closing date: 1st March 2026

Help for Heroes values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. 

Are you ready to take on a key development role in a charity that is making a real difference? Southampton City Mission (SCM) is offering an exciting opportunity for a knowledgeable and proactive Communications Officer. Working alongside our senior staff team to deliver a dynamic external communications strategy, this is a new role with the opportunity to shape how the charity relates to partners, supporters and the general public across the city.

You will be responsible for delivering an effective communications plan that increases awareness and engages key audiences in the city, to strongly support SCM’s current projects. Developing compelling story telling pieces and creating content for our website and social media to showcase the organisation’s impact; we are looking for an individual who will drive forward change and quickly engage with key stakeholders and churches. Working alongside the CEO, Head of Operations and Project Managers, and playing a pivotal role in helping to equip churches to support and love those in need across our city, we are offering the opportunity for flexible, hybrid working for this role.

If you are a natural, experienced communicator and passionate about working for a faith-based charity that is growing and evolving, this is the perfect role for you. Your input will help drive change in both the charity and the city we serve.

Apply now. An application pack, including full job description and person specification, can be downloaded from our website.

The closing date for applications is 01 April 2026

SCM is committed to keeping children and adults at risk safe and to equal opportunities.

A DBS check will be required for this role and applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the right to work in the UK.

Title: Active Recovery Lead 

Employer:  The Southmead Project 

Accountable to: Head of Active Recovery

Place of Work: The Southmead Project, Southmead, Bristol. BS10 6AS

Hours: 4 days per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £32,216.00 p/a pro rata 

The Southmead Project:

The Southmead Project is an equal opportunities employer providing free counselling and support for survivors of abuse and addiction across Bristol and surrounding areas. We welcome adults aged 18 and above of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language, religion and cultural background. We respect and cherish the differences between people and affirm every person as an individual. Our recruitment is done in line with safer recruitment practices. 

We value our team very highly and pride ourselves on being a supportive employer. We provide the following benefits to encourage every staff member to have a supported, well-rounded and enriched working experience:

• Paid supervision for 1.5 hours per month, with an external clinical supervisor 

• Line management for 1 hour per month

• Training budget of £500 per year to spend on relevant training of that person’s choice 

• Optional private counselling for up to twelve sessions per year with an external counsellor of that person’s choice

• Employer pension contribution of 5%

The Active Recovery Project gives adult survivors of abuse the opportunity to take part in community-based activities. Members of Active Recovery can participate in a variety of group activities with others who share or understand their experience and develop peer relationships, resulting in increasing confidence and reduced isolation. The activities are based on ideas from our members and include water-based activities (such as rowing, canoeing, sailing and kayaking), surfing, trips to community spaces and creative sessions (such as arts and crafts). Activities take place every week. Each activity will last approximately 2.5 hours each. Members can attend the group sessions for up to 18 months. 

Job Purpose: 

We are looking for a warm and passionate leader to come and join the Active Recovery Service.

As an Active Recovery Lead, their job will be to develop and deliver the Active Recovery Project in Bristol and in Somerset. Using a trauma-informed approach, the Active Recovery Lead will create and provide a safe and supportive space for clients from The Sexual Violence Alliance organisations (The Southmead Project, SARSAS, Womankind and the Bridge Sarc) to participate in a variety of group activities, with others who share or understand their experience and develop peer relationships, resulting in increasing confidence and reduced isolation. 

Principal Tasks:

1. Run two Active Recovery groups a week, with , with the help of the Practitioner.

2. Provide initial trauma-informed assessment phone calls and/or meetings with potential members as part of the registration process for Active Recovery. This includes assessing need, risk and suitability for the service using a trauma-informed approach. 

3. Create safety plans and tailor activity sessions where appropriate after building relationships with members following the initial phone calls.

4. Plan trauma-informed sessions for members, including producing risk assessments for each activity, visiting activity locations and delivering relevant trauma training to activity providers. 

5. Oversee and lead on setting up, delivering and debriefing about activity sessions with members, volunteers and staff. Ensuring members are clear on each session's ground rules and safeguarding processes, using the Member’s Agreement.

6. Provide trauma-informed face-to-face support to members at sessions who may become overwhelmed or require help dealing with flashbacks and dissociation.

7. To support volunteers and staff with safeguarding queries and ensure safeguarding procedures are followed. To be the safeguarding lead at activity sessions, escalating any onward safeguarding referrals and queries to the Southmead Project Designated Safeguarding Lead.

8. Participate in and support the recruitment and induction training of volunteers.

9. Support and line manage a team of volunteers.

10. Develop and maintain an Active Recovery community through email, phone calls, texts and in person.

11. Develop and drive forward the project’s aim to have the members’ voices at the heart of the project.

12. Collaborate with developing outcome processes in line with the Southmead Project and its funders’ requirements.

13. Analyse data and feedback collected through outcomes processes to adapt and constantly improve the planning and delivery of the project sessions.

14. Contribute content for reports as required. 

15. Build and maintain positive relationships with partnership organisations for the project.

16. Manage the day to day budget for the project sessions, keeping accurate records to report to the Head of Active Recovery and planning how the budget will be spent across sessions, within guidelines provided by the Head of Active Recovery.

17. Record data accurately and in a timely manner on Oasis.

18. Produce social media and website posts about the project, including producing and editing videos.

19. Attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings with the Head of Active Recovery. 

20. To attend monthly one-to-one clinical supervision with a Supervisor who is approved by the Southmead Project. Supervision is a requirement of this charity as an organisational member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. 

21. To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.

22. Follow the Southmead Project policies, procedures and professional code of conduct as outlined in the Staff Handbook.

23. All members of staff, paid and unpaid, are required to undergo the   enhanced level of Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL

• Full drivers licence and access to own transport.

• Professional qualification, such as a Diploma or degree in Counselling or in other relevant fields of work, such as; social work, psychology, mental health, education, support work or similar: or extensive experience in any of these fields.

• A sound understanding of the issues affecting members who have experienced trauma and abuse.

• Experience in managing projects. 

• Excellent administration and organisational skills, including experience of managing sensitive personal information.

• Experience of and confidence in using multiple computer and case management systems. 

• At least 2 years’ experience of delivering groups in the community, preferably activity based.

• At least 1 year’s experience of providing face-to-face support for survivors of abuse. 

• The ability to arrange group activities and liaise with other local organisations to help plan them. 

• The ability to plan sessions in detail to ensure that they are trauma-informed and having the experience and confidence to ‘hold’ groups when things do not go to plan.

• The ability to work flexibly within a team and support those within it. 

• Experience in managing volunteers. 

• Knowledge and awareness of how particular activities and social situations could improve people’s self-esteem, self-confidence, build friendships and reduce their isolation. 

• A sound understanding of safeguarding and experience of supporting others to act in accordance with safeguarding policies and within the best interests of the Active Recovery member or those at risk.

• Experience in managing a long-term budget.

• Knowledge of survivors’ voice work.

• To be able to attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings and monthly clinical supervision.

• To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.

DESIRABLE:

• Experience of building and maintaining positive partnerships in the community.

• Experience of running a community based project. 

• Experience of setting up processes for survivors’ voice work.

• Knowledge of making content for social media, including video recording and editing skills.

• Experience managing recruitment and training.

• Experience in chairing meetings and the ability to plan and review activities with a team.

• Experience designing outcomes processes and collecting outcomes data.

• Experience in writing reports, preferably funding reports in the charity sector.

 Please note that there must be at least 12 months between receiving support from the Southmead Project as a client/member and starting this role.

Research Officer

The Centre for Justice Innovation is looking to recruit a pragmatic and thoughtful Research Officer to help us advocate for evidence-based reform to criminal and family justice policy and practice in the UK.

Terms: Full time (35 hours per week), permanent, 27 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 2 years’ service). Job share arrangements may be considered.

Pay: Starting salary of £35,000

Other benefits: Matched Pension Contributions, Employee Healthcare Scheme, Flexible Hours, Employee Rewards and Discounts Platform, Volunteering Days, Monthly Lunch & Learns, Personal L&D Budget

Location: Edinburgh House, 170 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5DP (hybrid working available)

Reporting to: Head of Data and Evidence

Application deadline: 09:00am on 13th March 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 23rd March 2026, in person at our offices in Kennington, SE11 5DP

Expected start date: As soon as possible

What will you be doing?

Our Research Officer will play a key pivotal in strengthening the evidence base for innovation across the UK’s justice systems. The role will have a particular focus on improving outcomes for women in the criminal justice system and for families in the family justice system, including through our work overseeing FDAC.

Undertaking qualitative and mixed methods research, you will draw out the voices of people with lived experience and frontline practitioners on issues like:

• Improving the treatment of women in the criminal justice system
• Joined up responses to domestic abuse
• Making sure that children and families involved in the family justice system have the right support.

Your duties will include:

• Undertaking qualitative and mixed-methods research projects
• Working with other team members to design research methodologies
• Carrying out fieldwork with people with lived experience, practitioners and other informants
• Drafting research reports and other research outputs
• Presenting your findings at events
• Working alongside our practice team to produce accessible evidence summaries for practitioners
• Working with our policy team to frame research findings to create policy change

Every member of our team plays a part in influencing how the Centre develops. Roles and objectives may shift, and we ask everyone to work with creativity and flexibility in response to changing business needs.

Skills, Experience and Knowledge

Through your application, you should demonstrate the experience, skills and knowledge you have in the areas described below.

Experience

• Professional experience of undertaking qualitative or mixed-methods research projects
• Experience of undertaking research with participants facing additional barriers or vulnerabilities
• Experience of drafting high quality research reports or other outputs

Skills and knowledge

• Knowledge of research methodologies
• Excellent writing skills and good spoken English
• The ability to summarise research findings clearly for a non-specialist audience
• Demonstrable interest in and understanding of social policy issues
• A pragmatic approach to solving social problems and identifying practical solutions
• The ability to balance multiple priorities and managing your own workload to meet deadlines

You will also need to have:

• A willingness and ability to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas
• Eligibility to work in the UK legally

Application Guidance

All application questions should be answered in your own words without AI assistance. We're looking to understand your individual experience, thinking, and communication style. Please note that applications are screened with AI detection software

The deadline for applications is 9am on Friday 13th March 2026. Interviews will be held at our office in Kennington in the week commencing 23rd March 2026.

Equal opportunities

It is the policy of The Centre for Justice Innovation to treat all employees and job applicants fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disability, offending history or trade union membership status.

We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive.

The Centre is committed to fair recruitment and the inclusion of applicants with criminal records. It is essential that people do not face unfair discrimination in any role within the charity, whether paid or voluntary. For that reason, we do not use criminal records to exclude people. We only ask about criminal records if they are relevant to the role.