Youth children volunteer jobs

Inclusive & Blind Recruitment Statement:

In line with Caudwell Youth’s recruitment policy, we operate a blind recruitment process to help ensure a fair and unbiased selection. At the initial application stage, we ask all candidates to submit only a CV and a covering letter (maximum 1 side of A4) 

Please use your covering letter to explain why you are interested in this position and to explain how your experience, skills, or achievements enable you to meet the person specification and support your application.

Your anonymised cover letter to this question will be the only information shared with the interview panel for the blind shortlisting process, so we encourage you to make it clear and impactful.

Should you be shortlisted for an interview, you will then be invited to fill in our full application form.

We value equity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

ABOUT US

Not all young people have the same opportunities in life. Caudwell Youth exists to level the playing field for young people at risk. We support young people up to 25 years, who face real challenges in their lives. They may experience mental health challenges, be leaving care or be at risk of exploitation or offending.

We provide person centred support through volunteer-led mentoring for up to 18-months, alongside a targeted intervention programme called Shaping Futures for high-risk young people. Founded by the philanthropist John Caudwell in 2022, we now support young people across Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire, Slough, Buckinghamshire, and Luton.

Over our first 3 years as a charity, our work has consistently achieved exceptional outcomes for at-risk young people. 95% reduced offending behaviour, 64% reduced their exploitation risk, 83% reported improvements in their mental health and 45% had moved into education, employment or training. When a young person makes progress, families and communities benefit too. In fact, economic analysis shows that for every £1 invested in our programme, we save the public purse £6.05.

Unfortunately, demand for our service far outstrips supply, meaning we have often had to close our waiting lists. Whilst the risks and challenges young people face continue to grow. We currently support around 400 young people. The driving ambition behind our forthcoming strategy is to reach more.

To achieve this we are setting out to develop and expand our programmes. To become a national charity. We will do this working with at-risk young people, empowering them in everything we do. Our ambition to support more at-risk young people is shared with them.

OUR VISION: A brighter future for at-risk young people.

OUR MISSION: Empowering at-risk young people to shape their own future through mentoring and youth-led support.

Purpose of Role:

Provide strategic leadership on all Caudwell Youth’s external communications, ensuring they are effective in driving engagement and delivering our strategic goals.

Responsible as part of the Senior Leadership Team for the overall leadership of Caudwell Youth. Promoting the mission, vision and values of the charity, and the development and implementation of our strategic plan.

Key Duties:

Corporate leadership

• As part of the Senior Leadership Team work with the Board of Trustees to: develop and progress the organisation’s strategy, set and manage the organisation’s budget and ensure risks are managed effectively
• Lead by example, instilling a values-led and inclusive culture, with strong youth involvement

Commnications

• Lead on brand strategy, developing the brand to become more youth-led, reviewing our visual identity, core messaging, content and channels.
• Be responsible for digital strategy, leading development of our website and social media channels.
• Be responsible for our CRM, maintaining good data practices and delivering timely, integrated communications to our key audiences.
• Lead the development of communication plans, storytelling, assets and content; increasing the proportion of content created and delivered by young people.
• Provide the framework and support for youth participation in communications activities, working effectively with the Operations teams.
• Work with young people to identify influencers and celebrity/ambassador support to raise awareness and support our brand values.
• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement; including crisis communications with support from the CEO and John Caudwell’s PR team.
• Ensure our brand and communications convey a powerful case for support; working with the Fundraising team to create compelling donor communications to recruit and engage challenge participants and donors.
• Develop and deliver marketing strategies for volunteer recruitment to enable our mentoring programmes to grow.
• Gather and share the views and experiences of young people to influence change, building policy and campaigns activity as resources allow.
• Oversee the production of digital, printed and physical assets as required.
• Lead and manage the Communications team effectively, supporting development to maximise performance.
• Ensure effective processes and analytics are in place, reporting to SLT and the Board of Trustees on KPIs

​Administration

• Manage the Communications budget
• Be responsible for our marketing software, including CRM, and adhere to data retention schedules.
• Act as Data Protection Officer for Caudwell Youth
• Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.

Experience:

Essential

• Proven experience in senior communications roles.
• Sound leadership and team management experience, with the ability to manage and motivate teams to achieve targets.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in communications, media relations/PR, advocacy and/or marketing.
• Experience of involving beneficiaries in communications activities, preferably young people
• An good understanding of GDPR.

Desirable

• Experience of working on charity communications
• Knowledge or experience of fundraising practices
• Experience of policy and campaigns
• Experience of working with young people
• Lived experience that aligns with the young people we support

Skills:

• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively as part of a senior leadership team.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for storytelling.
• An understanding of developing support journeys to promote engagement
• Proficiency in digital marketing and social media management.

We are an experienced team that are dedicated to improving the lives of the young people we support.

Benefits:

• Flexible working
• Hybrid – working from home with travel as required
• WPA Healthcare (including Employee Assistance Programme and extended counselling sessions)
• Group Personal Pension with a 5% employer contribution and Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• 25 days annual leave (FTE) plus bank holidays, plus charity closure between Christmas and New Year
• Extra paid day off on your birthday
• Paid day off for volunteering in your community
• Training opportunities to support your personal development
• Employee discounts on everyday goods and services
• Being part of a passionate and dedicated team

Caudwell Youth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants.

As an organisation supporting young people with care experience, with mental health and those at risk of criminal exploitation and offending, we are keen to receive applications from those with lived experience. For those who are care experienced, we will guarantee an interview.

We actively seek to bring diverse perspectives and experience, and especially welcome applications from disabled people and those from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQ+.

Job Title: Senior Growth Manager

Location: Gilwell Park - Hybrid or Home - Based

Salary: £65,000 per annum, Band H, Level 3, Inc OLW & a MS, plus £5K car allowance - Hybrid 

Salary: £63,240 per annum, Band H, Level 3, Inc a MS, plus £5K car allowance - Home-based

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 35 hours per week -frequent evenings and weekends

About the role

We’re looking for a Senior Growth Manager to lead our work to grow Scouting across England, helping more young people take part and ensuring volunteers are supported to deliver great experiences.

Working closely with national and local volunteers, you’ll lead a regional team focused on increasing volunteer capacity, opening more places for young people and reducing waiting lists. This is a senior leadership role with real influence, responsibility and impact.

What you’ll be doing as our Senior Growth Manager:

• Lead and support a team of Regional Growth Managers working across England

• Drive volunteer recruitment and youth membership growth in line with our strategy

• Use insight, data and research to shape plans and respond to local needs

• Work in partnership with volunteers at local, regional and national levels

• Oversee funded growth programmes and ensure targets and reporting requirements are met

• Manage agreed budgets and contribute to wider organisational planning

What you’ll bring as our Senior Growth Manager:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within a complex organisation

• A strong track record of leading teams and delivering growth or engagement outcomes

• Confidence working with and influencing a wide range of stakeholders, including volunteers

• Experience managing resources, budgets and competing priorities

• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style and clear communication skills

Why join us?

• Your work will have a visible, meaningful impact on communities and volunteers

• You’ll work alongside passionate colleagues and volunteers who care deeply about what they do

Benefits include:

• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 days after 2 years), plus extra days at Christmas

• Flexible working hours

• Double-matched pension up to 10% of gross salary

• Generous family leave and support as a family-friendly employer

• Access to our Learning & Development hub for ongoing training

• Recognition as Charity of the Year (Charity Times Awards 2022)

For a full list of our benefits, click .

Closing date for applications: 11:59 pm Sunday 8th February 2026.

Interviews will be held in person at Gilwell Park, Chingford, between 16th and 27th February 2026.

Strictly no agencies.

The Scouts is an equal opportunities employer, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. We offer flexible working arrangements to support diverse needs and lifestyles, ensuring that our teams can thrive both professionally and personally. We welcome and encourage applicants from all walks of life, believing that varied perspectives strengthen our innovation and community. Your unique experiences and ideas are essential to our success, and we look forward to hearing from all voices.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, friendly, and committed Community Fundraiser to join our Wiltshire fundraising team. This is more than just a job - it’s an opportunity to help change lives while building meaningful relationships across your community.

What you’ll do:

• Be the face of our charity in Swindon - build and nurture strong relationships with local supporters, businesses, schools, and community groups.
• Proactively look for opportunities to raise awareness and build partnerships across Swindon, motivating others to get involved.
• Attend local events, talks and fundraising activities.

• Inspire, guide, and support people with their fundraising efforts.
•  

What we’re looking for:

• A true people person with excellent communication skills – someone who enjoys meeting new people and building connections.
• Someone who is organised, proactive, and ready to make things happen.
• A team player who’s happy working independently and collaboratively.

Why you’ll love it:

• Hybrid working for flexibility and work-life balance.
• The chance to be part of something meaningful and impactful
• You’ll be part of a passionate, supportive team.

This role includes occasional evening and weekend work, so flexibility is key. A full driving licence and access to a car for business use are essential.

If you’re ready for a role that’s rewarding, impactful, and full of purpose—we’d love to hear from you!

We have an exciting opportunity for a Children and Young Persons Caseworker to join the National Homicide Service in the West Midlands area of England, working 37.5 hours a week.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is home working based with travel in the West Midlands area of England. As a Homicide Service Children and Young Person caseworker you will be:

• Delivering a specialist service to children and young people (CYP) bereaved by homicide, and for those CYP who have witnessed a homicide
• Working collaboratively and jointly within the Homicide Service and other relevant organisations that can help to progress identified needs and ensure that young people are central to all processes that involve them.
• Acting as the designated caseworker and manage a caseload
• Implementing the CYP Homicide Service Delivery Model
• Working closely and supporting colleagues to provide a trauma informed service to children and young people.

You will be responsible for providing a high-quality, front-line service to bereaved young people following murder or manslaughter. Working with colleagues in the National Homicide Service, as well as partner agencies including education, police, courts, social services and many other statutory and third sector organisations.

You will need to be able to travel to face to face sessions within, and occasionally outside of region, and therefore 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.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

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.

Role Purpose 

This is a new role. Stand-by-me is seeking an experienced Director to effectively lead and manage the organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the effective continued delivery of the charity’s aims, providing strong, strategic leadership and operational management, focussing on enhancing fundraising capacity and developing a robust organisation strategy. This role will also serve as the public representative of the organisation and will report directly to the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Development:

· Conduct a rapid assessment of the charity’s current strategic plan and identify key areas for improvement.

· Lead the development of a revised or updated strategic framework, focusing on sustainability, growth, and impact.

· Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and Clinical staff to define clear strategic priorities and measurable outcomes.

· Provide clear and concise report to the Board on progress against strategic objectives.

· Manage and coordinate research projects and feasibility studies including budgeting, resourcing, scheduling, tracking and ensuring quality assurance.

2. Income Generation and Financial Management:

· Conduct a rapid, comprehensive review of existing fundraising activities and identify opportunities for growth and diversification.

· Develop and implement a short and long-term fundraising strategy to maximise income generation.

· Monitor and report on grants and funding.

· Lead and motivate our volunteer community fundraising team providing guidance and support to achieve specified targets.

· Cultivate and strengthen relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations, patronage, and corporate partners.

· Explore and develop new fundraising streams, including regular giving, digital fundraising, innovative partnerships and legacies.

· Working with the team, develop compelling funding proposals and grant applications.

· Improve fundraising reporting and analysis to track performance and inform decision-making.

3. Operational Management:

· Provide effective line management to the team and volunteers to foster a positive and collaborative work environment.

· Effectively delegate tasks to team members including promoting self organisation.

· Work with the Finance Trustee to oversee financial management, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices for budgeting.

· Manage risk and ensure the charity's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Represent the charity to external stakeholders, building and maintaining positive relationships.

· Ensure effective communication and engagement with staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

· Work with Safeguarding Trustee and external Supervisors on any clinical or safeguarding issues as they arise.

· Conduct annual appraisals to monitor and evaluate staff performance.

4. Board Engagement/Governance:

· Act as the primary point of contact between the Board of Trustees.

· Provide regular updates to the Board on organisational performance including operational and strategic matters.

· Ensure the organisation’s compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and internal policies to support the Board in its governance role by providing advice and information as needed.

· Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the Trustee Board, staff and volunteers.

Location: MSSC, National Support Centre, 200B Lambeth Road, London, SE1 7JY (Hybrid)

Contract: Full time, Permanent

Salary: £60,000 - £63,000 gross per annum, depending on experience

Closing Date: Sunday 8 February 2026

Interviews:Tuesday 17 February 2026 (Interviews to be held in London)

Application: CV & Supporting Statement

Are you a Head of Safety, Health & Environment looking for a new opportunity?

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is the leading maritime charity for youth development and lifelong learning. We are a vibrant and growing charity inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure and also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development. Working with our employees, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a strong vision and five-year Future Ready strategy to meet the growing demand for what we provide, both for young people, seafarers and maritime professionals – and the thousands who aspire to be the sea cadets and marine professionals of the future. It is also about equipping them to achieve their potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world, while growing our charity to benefit even more people – including those from under-represented or marginalised groups.

We are currently looking for a Head of Safety, Health & Environment to join our team.

About the role

If you have significant experience of delivering and guiding health and safety in a large organisation as well as providing advice and guidance on health and safety issues on both a strategic and operational level this could be the role for you. 

You will have first class leadership skills, with the ability to manage a disbursed staff team as well as the excellent interpersonal skills to support and influence colleagues, senior managers, volunteers and others.

The successful candidate will be able to build effective relationships, manage a diverse workload as well as being able to analyse and deal with complex or difficult situations, with skill and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Manage all safety, health and environmental issues within the MSSC, working closely with the Director of Young People, Volunteer & Business Support and other members of the senior management team, the area, offshore, training and other teams as appropriate.
• Manage a disbursed team of Safety Assurance Officers with the support of a Deputy Head of Safety, Health & Environment.
• Monitor changes to legislation and advise CEO and Trustees of their impact on the MSSC and any required actions and/or policy changes.
• Report and analyse safety data and identifying trends or issues.

Requirements

• Hold a formal qualification in Health & Safety (NEBOSH Certificate or higher).
• Up to date knowledge of H&S legislation, developments, practice and management.
•  Experience of risk management and compliance systems.
•  Significant experience of providing advice and guidance on H&S issues at a senior professional level; both operational and strategic.
•  Experience of managing and supporting a staff team.

For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack. If you are interested in this role, please apply now!

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata for part time employees, increasing with length of service
• Hybrid working for many roles
• Volunteering Leave
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Private medical insurance
• Generous pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to the Marine Society Digital Library
• Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
• Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential. 

Additional Information

MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.

We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire. 

All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo pre-employment checks including a criminal record check.

We are the only environmental charity working across the entire length of the River Severn. Our work is bold, ambitious, and rooted in science and community action. From urban streams to remote upland headwaters, we are tackling the biggest challenges facing our rivers through restoration, education, and collaboration. 

Your Role 

As Senior River Engagement Officer, you’ll take a leading role in our Community Engagement team – designing and delivering creative programmes that connect people with rivers and inspire action for nature. You’ll manage and mentor a growing team, develop exciting new projects, and secure funding to make them happen. 

Working in one of our operational catchments, you’ll build partnerships with schools, businesses, and communities, while delivering hands-on engagement activities – from citizen science and volunteering to wellbeing initiatives and outdoor learning. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of community engagement at Severn Rivers Trust. 

What you will do 

• Lead ambitious engagement programmes – from school learning and family events to volunteering and river health monitoring. 

• Manage and mentor River Engagement Officers and freelancers, fostering an inclusive and supportive team culture. 

• Develop new projects and secure funding, turning bold ideas into real-world impact. 

• Champion nature-based solutions and river wellbeing, helping communities understand how rivers support climate resilience and biodiversity. 

• Build partnerships across sectors, working with schools, businesses, and community groups to create shared benefits for rivers and people. 

• Act as the local lead for your catchment, delivering engagement that reflects local priorities and inspires action. 

Who We Are Looking For 

This is a senior role requiring proven experience in community engagement and project management. You’ll need: 

• A strong passion for rivers, wildlife, and nature conservation. 

• Experience leading engagement programmes such as citizen science, volunteering, education, or wellbeing initiatives. 

• Confidence in managing and mentoring staff or volunteers. 

• Excellent communication skills – able to engage, inspire, and influence a wide range of audiences. 

• Strong project management skills, including planning, delivery, and monitoring of multi-strand programmes. 

• Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively across sectors. 

• Willingness to travel regularly within your catchment and work occasional evenings/weekends. 

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use is essential. 

The Bikeability Trust is entering a new exciting phase of our strategy to 2035 to ensure more children can cycle with confidence. A year into our strategy we have reviewed Executive Team roles and responsibilities and are now looking for a creative Communications and Fundraising Director to lead our mission driven communications, income generation and impact reporting functions.

You will be an experience senior leader in communications, who has the drive to take our strategy to the next level. A key member of the Executive Team, working across the home based diverse staff team to bring together the impact of our work through corporate communications and influencing. We recommend reading our annual reviews on the Bikeability website to see a flavour of the work you could be leading.

Our income generation work is focussed on small impactful corporate partnerships, we have tested some individual giving and are planning to host a fundraising Ball in 2026. Experience in fundraising is desirable, with communications experience as essential as this role will ensure strong relationships with Government. 

If you would like to have a short discussion with the CEO before applying please contact Emily Cherry CEO. We are looking to interview shortlisted candidates on the 23rd or 25th February. We are looking for a candidate to start from 1st April or sooner. 

Overview

We’re looking for an Assistant Business Development Officer (Bid Writer) to join our national Business Development Team. This is a great opportunity for an excellent writer to start or grow your bid writing career in a successful team with progression opportunities. 

Location: London, Brighton, Manchester or Leeds. 

Salary: £27,861.26 − £32,002.35 per year. If you’re based in London, you’ll receive an additional £4,133.14 per year as Inner London Weighing. 

Contract: 12 months fixed term. 

Responsibilities

About the role 

Change Grow Live is a health and social care charity. Across the country, we support people to make positive changes in their lives, including around drug and alcohol use, smoking, homelessness and criminal justice. 

As an Assistant Business Development Officer, you’ll play a key part in helping us secure new contracts and deliver high quality services for adults, children and young people. You’ll support the development of bids and proposals by writing, researching and collaborating with colleagues across the organisation. 

Your day-to-day will include: 

• Writing and editing bid responses 
• Working with colleagues across the organisation and our partner agencies 
• Completing online research, analysing data and collating evidence 
• Creating presentations, diagrams and reports 
• Helping improve how we do things. 

This is a developmental role, and you’ll receive ongoing support, guidance and training to help you progress. 

About you 

We’re looking for excellent writers who share our passion for supporting people to make positive changes in their lives. You don’t need previous experience in business development, but experience in health and social care, writing, sales, research, or data is beneficial. 

You are: 

• A clear, concise and engaging writer 
• Motivated to learn and develop, welcoming feedback 
• Collaborative and contribute to a positive culture team 
• Curious and analytical 
• Solution-focused, creative and proactive 
• Ready to work hard to deliver on CGL’s values and mission. 

What we offer 

You’ll be able to access structured training, development and mentoring as part of a supportive team. There’s a clear progression pathway within the team. We have a great record of people quickly progressing to Business Development Officer and Senior Business Development Officer roles as they take on increased volume, complexity, and leadership across proposals. 

We also offer: 

• The option to work from home for some of the week 
• Wellbeing support, including an employee assistance programme and an hour each week for wellbeing activities of your choice (find out more here). 

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we work with. We pride ourselves on an inclusive and supportive workplace, evidenced through our Investors in People silver status. 

We’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that you need to be successful. Please let us know in your application or at any stage of the process if you would like to discuss this. 

Before you apply 

In the application portal, there’s a section called ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’. This is your chance to tell us about why you’re a good fit for this job – we won’t be able to consider your application unless it’s filled in. Please explain how you meet each of the person specification criteria (listed at the end of the job description). Use clear examples of your experience (this link contains some useful guidance). As guidance, written statements should not exceed 1,000 words. You can address multiple criteria together where you think it makes sense. 

Interviews will be held 16th – 23rd February 2026 via MS Teams. We’ll also ask shortlisted candidates to complete a written task online during this timeframe, at a time of your choice. We may hold a pre-qualification stage task (e.g. presentation) depending on the number of applicants. 

We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every requirement but are excited about the role. We value lived experience of substance use, homelessness, and/or multiple disadvantages. 

We’re a Disability Confident Committed employer. Under our Disability Confident interview scheme, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. Please confirm in the ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’ part of the application if you are applying under this scheme. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed. 

Check the job description and team explainer for more information. You can contact Yasmin Gilders to discuss this role further. 

What our people say 

George, who progressed from Assistant Business Development Officer to Business Development Officer last year: 

“What was your route into the team? I came into Business Development after starting out in frontline roles in local authorities and then a housing charity, where I realised I wanted to continue having an impact on people’s lives, but on a bigger scale. The Assistant Business Development Officer role was a perfect progression, and after about a year I successfully applied for a Business Development Officer role. This felt really manageable given the space for development as an Assistant Business Development Officer. 

What are your favourite parts of the job? Winning contracts is a really great feeling, especially when I know they’ve been shaped with service users and colleague to make sure we’re designing services that offer the best support to the most people. I also value the constant opportunities to learn, feeling supported in my development, and seeing the decisions I’m involved in having a real impact on people’s lives.

What were your highlights from last year? Our team away day in Liverpool, which was great fun as well as chance to hear from the managers of our new Liverpool service. It was one of the first bids I worked on as an Assistant Business Development Officer, and it was amazing to see our bid come to life, being delivered by a passionate group of people.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying? I’d definitely say go for it, and once you start, embrace how much there is to learn! Make the most of a really knowledgeable and supportive team, of managers who genuinely want you to succeed, and of all the opportunities to try new things and develop new skills.” 

Holly, who has progressed from Assistant Business Development Officer to Senior Business Development Officer: 

“What was your route into the team? I was a psychology graduate and teacher training drop out! With my experience of working in schools and academic research into young people’s substance use, I started working as an Education Lead for one of CGL’s young person’s services. After a year I applied to join the Business Development Team, wanting to utilise my experience of working frontline and my love of research and writing. I’ve progressed from Assistant to Officer and then Senior Officer since joining the team in 2022.  

How would you describe the team? Helpful, real and full of knowledge. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and is happy to share their skills, knowledge and learning. I’ve never felt like I’ve asked a silly question, and I don’t feel like I must put a on ‘work mask’.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying? Not to think they can’t do it just because they don’t have experience in bid writing or business development. It’s more important to be able to demonstrate that they’re a confident professional writer and are really passionate about working in the drug and alcohol support sector.” 

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)

Interview Date

16/2/2026

Closing Date

8/2/2026

Main purpose of job: To provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

Location: Hybrid: working from home, with regular attendance at CARA premises in Colchester and regular travel across mid and north Essex.

Preferred start date: ASAP (subject to enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references)

Salary: £32,151 - £34,020 (pro rata).

Contract: This is a permanent contract.

Hours: 28 - 35 hours per week.  

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional gift days at Christmas.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Application deadline: 9am, Monday 2nd February 2026.

Interviews:  Wednesday 11th February 2026.  

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

The role of an ISVA is to support victims and survivors by:

·Ensuring their voice is heard.

·Helping them make the choices that feel right for them.

·Accompanying them to important appointments and to court.

·Supporting them with their next steps after the legal process is over, regardless of the outcome of the case.

If victims and survivors are considering reporting to the police, ISVAs can also help them by:

·Providing impartial information to enable them to make an informed decision.

·Offering an overview of police processes and what to expect if they do decide to report.

·Supporting them in their next steps.

CARA provides an ISVA service to adults, young people and children who have been victims of sexual violence from across mid and North Essex, and Uttlesford.

Most ISVA clients are referred to CARA through the Police or the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).  Clients can also refer themselves.

Duties and Responsibilities

For all clients

· To liaise with CARA’s Information and Referrals Coordinator and First Contact Navigators in supporting new referrals to the ISVA service.

· To undertake risk assessment and support needs analysis with clients.

· To develop individual service plans to address risks/support needs of clients. 

· To help clients access services to which they are entitled, e.g. through setting up fast-track referral systems to sexual health follow-up services, making referrals to mental health services, assisting with return to work/absence from work arrangements.

· To provide face-to-face and telephone support (non-therapeutic) to clients and their supporters where appropriate. 

· To help clients to develop their own support network.

· To explain criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies to clients.

· To provide information in relation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

· Where relevant and with client’s consent, to keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.

· To consider safeguarding issues and follow CARA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

If a client reports to the Police

· To support the client throughout their time in the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within it.

· Subject to local arrangements and their wishes, to support the client at every step; from the provision of their witness statement through to a trial.

· To liaise with the police and CPS on behalf of the client.  To keep them informed about the progress of their case on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.

· To participate in case conferences with the police and CPS. 

· To understand and support the need for some clients to access special measures.

General

· To manage a caseload of around 50 clients (pro rata), including adults, young people and children.

· To travel to client meetings in a variety of settings, including outreach premises and clients’ homes.

· To maintain and monitor records, using a purpose-built online database.

· To follow procedures and protocols so that the safety of the client is kept central to any process.

· To note and feedback to other agencies any difficulties clients are having accessing their service.

· To contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within areas of practice as necessary. 

· To develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including the police, CPS, HMCTS, social services, education, primary care trust (mental and sexual health), Victim Support, Witness Service, CAFCASS and voluntary sector organisations.

·To participate in team meetings, supervision, training and development. 

·To participate in co-location working within Colchester and Chelmsford police stations.

· To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in the delivery of training sessions.

· To have a clear understanding of the myths surrounding sexual violence, and the trauma and long-term mental health effects it creates, including self-harm, suicidal feelings and suicide attempts.

· To be aware of resources available regarding interpreters, signers etc.

· To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.

· To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding.

· To report to the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of written reports.

· To be administratively self-servicing.

· To undertake any other related activities as required by the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO or Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on our website.  We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy East

CARA is part of Synergy East. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

About Woman’s Trust

The charity was established in 1996 to meet the gap in specialist mental health services. Woman’s Trust is led by and for women and aims to ensure that women affected by domestic abuse can live a life free from further harm and abuse. Our approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, empowering survivors on their journey to recovery from the trauma. We are committed to a positive, inclusive and equitable environment for our staff, service users and volunteers.

Alongside delivering our existing 1-1 counselling, self-development workshops and therapeutic support groups for women who have experienced domestic abuse, we are focused on developing our innovative mental health services for young women and girls, delivering new peer-led support groups and providing therapeutic groups to children and their mothers. We are also committed to developing further awareness-raising workshops and training for professionals, building on our research and policy to improve systems nationally.

Background

The lack of recognition of domestic abuse as a mental health issue within the NHS leads to delayed and inadequate support for survivors. This gap in understanding and response often result in survivors only being able to access and receive appropriate care when their mental health deteriorates to the point of requiring secondary mental health services (Women’s Aid 2021).  Meta analysis suggests that CBT, one of the NHS’s most prescribed approaches for mental ill-health, is not the best approach for domestic abuse survivors as it does not recognise and take into account the external factors and dynamics of abuse, specifically power and control, the role of the perpetrator and the resulting trauma for the survivor.

In March 2025, WT published its first major report, ‘Living Without Hope’ which consolidates existing and increasing academic, government and sector research demonstrating the significant impact of domestic abuse on women’s mental health. Outlining the current agency responses at national, regional and local levels and the gaps in provision; the report also makes recommendations for change and improvement across the VAWG and health sectors.

Building on the research highlighted in our ‘Living Without Hope’ report, WT has secured funding to work with key stakeholders in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to examine the links between domestic abuse and mental health, the specific experiences of Arab and Moroccan women and their access to safe, appropriate services that meet their needs.

Purpose

This is an exciting new role and will be focused on developing Woman’s Trust’s (WT) response to addressing the systemic issues female survivors of domestic abuse face when trying to access support.

Working with key stakeholders in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (LBKC) and specifically Al-Hasniya to ensure that professionals have a clearer understanding of the link between domestic abuse and mental health and its impact on survivors.

Contract & hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week (0.6 FTE). Fixed term as dependant on funding.

Location: Woman’s Trust premises including co-location with statutory partners and community partnership locations.

Closing date: 10 February 2026.

Interviews: 18 February 2026.

Please note, this post is open to female applicants only – Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1 applies.

BPCN Scrapstore: Retail & Community Engagement Lead

Retail & Community Engagement Lead (Scrapstore Birmingham)

Hours: Minimum 26 hours per week, including alternate weekends and occasional evening

Work pattern:  Tues – Friday and alternate Saturdays

Pay: £14.00 per hour (£26,572 fte, 70% = £18,928 actual salary)

Make a Difference Every Day

Join Birmingham PlayCare Network (BPCN) at our unique Scrapstore – a creative, eco-friendly retail space that helps materials find new life in play, learning and community projects. This is a role for someone who loves people, enjoys a busy hands-on environment, and wants their work to directly benefit children, families and neighbourhoods across Birmingham.

What You’ll Do

As a key representative of BPCN, you will help lead the day-to-day running of the Scrapstore, providing an inspiring shopping experience while supporting sustainability and community wellbeing.

You will:

• Champion our welcoming, inclusive visitor experience and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Lead, support and motivate a team of volunteers and trainees, helping them develop skills and confidence.
• Work closely with other team members to understand stock trends and plan effective purchasing.
• Organise and merchandise the store to maximise space, visual appeal and product availability.
• Maintain a safe, tidy and inspiring retail environment – from sorting stock to lifting and moving items.
• Operate our till and EPOS system, handle payments, and help increase sales that sustain our charity’s work.
• Promote imaginative, creative reuse of materials and help grow engagement in our Scrapstore.
• Support wider BPCN activities when needed, contributing to a flexible and collaborative culture.

What We’re Looking For

You will thrive in this role if you bring:

• A friendly, enthusiastic approach to customer service and community interaction.
• Experience in retail, sales, or marketing with a track record of meeting income targets.
• Excellent communication, teamwork and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive, solutions-focused attitude and readiness to multitask.
• Confidence when supervising volunteers or trainees.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• A willingness to work within BPCN’s inclusive and supportive values.

What You Can Expect From Us

At BPCN, you’ll be part of a supportive, positive and community-driven organisation where your skills are valued, and your work truly matters.

You will receive:

• Comprehensive training to help you shine in your role.
• Clear communication, guidance and regular feedback.
• Recognition and appreciation for your achievements and commitment.
• Opportunities to make meaningful contributions to local communities and the environment.

· 24 days paid holiday (pro rata for reduced hours)

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide cover for other Scrapstore team members where required.
• Follow all Health & Safety and Fire Safety regulations.
• Attend meetings, training and development sessions.
• Uphold BPCN’s equal opportunities policy and commitment to combat discrimination.
• Carry out duties reasonably associated with the post.

We’re looking for an Out of Hours Activity Coordinator to be responsible for the development and delivery of our out-of-hours services. 

You will be creative and motivated, and will inspire the people we support through a range of activities and new opportunities, building upon our current offer. 

This role reduces social isolation and loneliness for disabled adults and children by creating new evenings and weekend opportunities. We’ll also look to you to create a brand for these new, standalone services which are designed with people who use our services and our co-production team.

Hours: 18 hours per week.

For more information about the role and to apply, please visit our jobs page.

Closing date: 2 February 2026. 

Interview date: from 9 February 2026. 

Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Ipswich, IP1 1UQ

Diocesan Director of Education

£75k-£79k per annum

Full-time – 35 hours per week

Permanent appointment from September 2026

Our mission is to support the 87 Church of England schools throughout Suffolk. As a diocese, we work closely with our schools which, together, educate 14,000 pupils. We are looking for an experienced education professional with successful senior leadership experience to lead our team from September, following the retirement of the current postholder. Based in Ipswich, but with travel throughout Suffolk, this post is both rewarding and varied and involves:

· Providing a range of support, training and advice to Headteachers and Governors

· Leading a small and highly effective team

· Leading the work of the Diocesan Board of Education, developing policy as the national education landscape changes

· Promoting education in Suffolk and representing the diocese as the lead on education

· Working across the diocese more widely as a senior member of diocesan staff

· Working with the Department for Education and local authority on a range of school issues

· Working as part of a strong and supportive network of national and regional Directors of Education and with the Church of England’s National Society for Education on policy development and issues

If you love schools and can demonstrate the following criteria we would love to hear from you:

· Successful experience as a senior leader in education

· Collaborative leadership and management skills

· The ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively

· A deep commitment to Church of England schools

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Closing date: 9th February 2026 at 5pm

Interview date: 2nd March 2026