Youth engagement jobs

Policy and Public Affairs Manager (England)

Reporting to: Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Line Management: 1 Policy and Public Affairs Officer England

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

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

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary: £42,000

BACKGROUND

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

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

JOB PURPOSE

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

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

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

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

KEY RESPONSOBILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please read the full job description attached below. 

WHAT WE OFFER

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

Please see our job pack below

Please see our website

APPLICATION PROCCESS

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

Shortlisting: w/c 25th and 26th May

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

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

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with a proven record of working with children and young people affected by criminal exploitation, gang involvement, county lines, grooming, or serious youth violence?  Do you have experience of working within a multi-agency safeguarding environment, collaborating effectively with services such as social care, youth justice, police, education, and community organisations?

If so, St Giles is looking for a Specialist Mentor to form part of a newly established team to support Children and Young People (CYP) under 18 at risk of or experiencing significant harm, including involvement in criminality, the justice system, gang affiliation, exploitation, and grooming in partnership with the Children’s Services Child Abused Through Exploitation (CATE) Team

About St Giles Trust

An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this key role

Our successful candidate will deliver intensive one-to-one mentoring and casework support to up to 25 CYPs annually who are affected by criminality, exploitation, gang involvement, or the justice system, improving their safety, wellbeing, and life outcomes.  You will be expected to build positive relationships with CYP and their families and work directly with them to promote positive change, build resilience, reduce risks, and prevent continued significant harm, plus work collaboratively with the Children’s Services CATE Team, Community Safety, Youth Justice, Police, and other stakeholders.

We will also count on you to support the development of professional knowledge within the CATE team and wider network on criminal exploitation and to produce risk management plans based on assessments, while promoting inter-agency collaboration in the assessment and planning process, and including appropriate agencies in the delivery of the service.

What we are looking for:

• Experience of conducting risk assessments and developing intervention/support plans, with a clear understanding of safeguarding frameworks and thresholds
• Experience delivering community-based outreach, including working in non-traditional settings and building relationships with local stakeholders
• Knowledge of child criminal exploitation, county lines, gang involvement, and grooming
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and its application when working with vulnerable or high-risk young people
• An understanding of risk assessment and risk management processes in relation to exploitation and serious youth violence
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, verbal and written
• A flexible, collaborative and professional approach to your work

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, access to clinical supervision, season ticket loan and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion-confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi-heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, or neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

Please note St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

An enhanced Children’s Barred List DBS check is required for this role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION In your application form, please provide a written statement (maximum 1,000 words) showing how you meet the criteria outlined in the Person specification. 

Closing date: 4 May 2026 at 9 a.m. Interviews: 11 May 2026 in Coventry

ALDER HEY CHILDREN’S CHARITY

Job title: Hospital Engagement Manager

Salary: £39,428 - £50,450

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: Alder Hey Children’s Charity (based within the hospital), Liverpool. Office based with occasional working from home

About us

Alder Hey Children’s Charity raises vital funds to help make Alder Hey Children’s Hospital a truly world-class, patient-friendly hospital for the 450,000 patients and families we care for every year.

The charity helps to fund a range of activities and projects that are designed to enhance and improve the lives of our amazing young patients. This includes the funding of specialist medical equipment to ensure our brilliant surgeons and clinical staff have the most up to date and cutting edge technology available and funding hi-tech distraction equipment designed and proven to reduce pain and anxiety in our patients. We also fund a range of programmes and special projects such as our ward musicians, our on-site magician and the play specialists we have on every ward.

About this role:

This is an exciting opportunity for a Hospital Engagement Manager to join the Charity team here at Alder Hey, the UK’s busiest Children’s Hospital.

This pivotal role acts as the bridge between Alder Hey Children’s Charity and the hospital community. You will inspire NHS colleagues and families to engage with the charity, embedding philanthropy into the hospital culture and helping deliver Alder Hey’s 2030 vision.

As Hospital Engagement Manager, you will build strong relationships with NHS colleagues, patients, their families and volunteers to increase awareness, engagement, and fundraising activity. By developing strategic partnerships and delivering training, you will enable grateful families to support the charity in ways that are meaningful to them, driving sustainable income growth across multiple fundraising streams.

We’re looking for someone who loves building relationships, and brings energy, enthusiasm, and exceptional communication skills to foster a culture of giving across our hospital - from inspiring patients and families to support their local hospital charity to engaging clinicians on how the charity can enhance their ward or department.

Key Responsibilities will include:

Relationship building, advocacy and engagement:

• Act as a passionate and professional ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, championing the hospital’s vital work and the transformative potential of philanthropy.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with assigned hospital teams, meeting regularly to increase understanding of the charity and the role of philanthropy in supporting families and improving care.
• Serve as the first point of contact for NHS colleagues introducing families or opening networks to potential donors.
• Spot strategic opportunities for increasing NHS colleague and family engagement.

Programme delivery, training and internal collaboration:

• Lead delivery of the Grateful Patient Plan, implementing key activities to increase staff engagement and donor referrals.
• Deliver training sessions for Trust colleagues to build confidence in supporting fundraising and patient family philanthropy (training will be provided).
• Collaborate across the charity to ensure donor referrals are managed appropriately and messaging is consistent.
• Develop a strong working relationship with the Grants and Impact team to stay informed about projects in key areas.

Marketing, communications and visibility:

• Work closely with Marketing and Communications colleagues to increase charity visibility across the hospital site through branding and internal communications.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

Our Values

At Alder Hey Children’s Charity, our values guide how we work. Being courageous, working together, showing passion and embracing creativity enables us to support the hospital in delivering the very best care for young patients and their families.

Courage

We try new things, take risks and innovate. We speak up, take accountability and act with responsibility.

Together

We work as one team, sharing knowledge and learning. We partner with patients, families, supporters and colleagues.

Passion

We are passionate about what we do and inspire others.

Magic

We are creative, fun and child-led, creating special moments and going the extra mile.

Additional Information

In April 2025, the charity adopted a four-day working week policy. Staff previously working 37.5 hours now work 30 hours across four days, maintaining full pay while supporting a better work-life balance.

This job description outlines the general nature of the role and is not exhaustive. It may be subject to change in line with organisational needs.

Alder Hey Children’s Charity will make reasonable adjustments where required and is committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The post holder will be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure check.

Closing date: Monday 11 May 2026

Interview date (to be held at Alder Hey): Monday 18 May 2026

Every day, Centre 404 works alongside people with learning disabilities and their families so they can live fuller, more connected lives. The voices, stories and impact behind that work matter — and we’re looking for a Senior Communications Officer to help make sure they are heard with care, clarity and purpose.

Centre 404 is a community‑rooted health and social care charity in North London, where values shape practice and communications are central to our impact. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of our communications across digital channels, campaigns and publications, shaping how Centre 404 is seen and understood.

Working closely with the Director of Children, Young People, Families & Engagement, the Fundraising Manager and colleagues across the organisation, you’ll play a key role in strengthening engagement, supporting fundraising, and ensuring lived experience sits at the heart of everything we communicate.

About the role

• Lead day‑to‑day delivery of Centre 404’s communications across digital channels, campaigns and publications
• Maintain an engaging, accessible and consistent presence across our website, social media and e‑communications
• Create high‑quality, audience‑focused content that brings our work and impact to life
• Handle stories and case studies sensitively and ethically, in line with safeguarding and confidentiality standards
• Maintain and develop Centre 404’s brand and tone of voice, ensuring warmth, clarity and consistency
• Deliver communications campaigns and key publications, including our annual impact report
• Work closely with fundraising colleagues to support supporter engagement and donor communications
• Provide light‑touch media and PR support, including drafting press releases when appropriate
• Act as a trusted point of contact for communications advice across the organisation
• Use feedback and insight to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of our communications
• Manage an agreed communications budget and ensure value for money

This is a standalone role with a high degree of autonomy, offering the chance to make a real difference in a values‑led organisation.

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience working in a communications role, delivering activity across multiple channels
• Is an excellent writer with strong editorial judgement and attention to detail
• Understands digital communications, including websites, social media and e‑communications
• Can translate complex or sensitive information into clear, engaging and appropriate content
• Has a strong understanding of accessible, inclusive and audience‑centred communications
• Is comfortable managing their own workload and priorities while working collaboratively
• Brings a thoughtful, ethical and emotionally intelligent approach to storytelling
• Shares Centre 404’s commitment to respect, inclusion, dignity and safeguarding

Experience in the charity, health or social care sector — particularly producing publications or supporting fundraising communications — would be an advantage, but is not essential.

Why work for Centre 404?

At Centre 404, values aren’t just words — they shape how we work every day. We offer a supportive, collaborative environment where your work will have a genuine impact on people’s lives. You’ll have the opportunity to shape our communications, grow your skills and contribute to a mission you can truly believe in.

Centre 404 is a warm, values‑driven organisation with a rich history of supporting people with learning disabilities for over 75 years. We are collaborative, ambitious, and committed to creating life‑changing impact for families across North London. We will provide a detailed induction and on-going training and support. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and we are looking to recruit people who share these values. All offers of employment are subject to a relevant DBS check, proof of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references covering a five-year period.

We are dedicated to providing a meaningful and rewarding work environment, as well as offering a range of perks and benefits for our staff to enjoy.

Centre 404 is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Charity ref number 299889

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Communications Officer to come and join our team in Middlesbrough.

Location – This role is both community-based in Middlesbrough, with the ability to work from home as agreed with your manager. There may also be occasional travel to other programme sites (currently Redcar, Cleveland, Stoke-On-Trent and Scotland) or travel to our London office.  

Salary – Up to £35,000 DOE 

Employment Type – Permanent

Team – Communications team

About you

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following: 

• Significant experience in a communications role, including experience with copywriting and content creation. 
• Experience producing high quality, clear, compelling and audience appropriate content for a range of platforms.
• Empathy, cultural awareness, and sensitivity when communicating with and about communities whose voices and experiences are often underrepresented, including those with English as an additional language or limited literacy in English.
• The ability to clearly demonstrate our impact and inspire collaboration among our partners and stakeholders by sharing compelling and meaningful stories.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the local community, including its strengths, needs, and challenges. 
• Strong knowledge and skills in Adobe Creative Suite such as Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop or Canva. 

About the role

The responsibilities of this role include: 

• Actively identify opportunities where communications can strengthen programme delivery, support parent outreach and increase engagement with families and communities. 
• Develop the local stakeholder engagement approach in line with agreed objectives, proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen relationships and using data and team insight to increase engagement.
• Support effective communications with stakeholders across sectors including community, health, education and local organisations. 
• Develop and produce compelling, audience focused content for a range of channels, including newsletters, case studies and promotional materials. 
• Work closely with the Head of Communications, Programme Leads and colleagues across the organisation to align communications priorities with programme and organisational objectives. 

About us

Thrive at Five is a national charity focused on giving every child the best possible start in life. We know the foundations for life and learning are built in the earliest years, from pregnancy to five. By working alongside families, communities and local partners, we help build stronger, more connected support for parents, so more children get what they need to thrive and reach a good level of development by age five.
 

Thrive at Five is a relatively young organisation but with an already strong national and political profile, having been called out in Parliament for our ways of working in Stoke-on-Trent and invited to be interviewed at the 2025 Civil Society Summit by the Secretary of State for Education. We have grown rapidly in our first four years, with a growing team of nearly 40 across the country. 2026 will be a year of further growth and milestones for the charity as we celebrate our fifth-year anniversary and expand into our third and fourth regions. This will involve recruiting for a new teams, establishing our programmes and beginning to co-design and implement our work in partnership with communities. 

About our benefits

• Pension contributions – We will contribute 3% and you can contribute 5% towards your pension through NEST. 
• 25 annual leave days per year plus bank holidays.
• £100 contribution towards your professional body membership.

Please note that as this role is subject to a successful Basic Level Disclosure check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you have any unspent convictions, but wish to apply for this role, please advise us in your application. The successful candidate will also need to provide satisfactory references and current right to work in the UK. 

To apply for this role, please submit your cover letter and CV by following the Apply Now button. Closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 8th May 2026.

YHA is looking for an experienced and strategically minded Head of Communications and Engagement to lead how our story is told through a period of organisational change. This role owns our corporate narrative and shapes compelling communications that strengthen YHA’s voice and influence.

Working across the organisation and with external partners, you’ll develop and deliver integrated corporate communications that inspire engagement from staff and stakeholders, and ensure coherent and consistent messaging which amplifies YHA’s impact as a leading youth charity, social enterprise and force for good, and support income growth.

Why work for YHA?

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive staff benefits that support your well-being and career growth:

• 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family

• Access to YHA’s staff discount and cash back portal

• Free YHA Membership each year

• Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program

There are many more benefits to working for YHA so please visit our website for more information.

What will you be doing as Head of Communications and Engagement?

• Own YHA’s corporate narrative, tone of voice and organisation‑wide communications strategy

• Lead integrated internal and external communications that strengthen brand, impact and income growth through a period of strategic transformation.

• Develop and deliver strategic messaging to support YHA’s organisational transformation and long‑term objectives

• Champion communications best practice across the organisation, working closely with the marketing team, digital team and senior leaders

• Plan, coordinate and oversee corporate content, publications and communications scheduling across all channels

• Line manage the Internal Communications Manager

• Lead on media relations and press engagement, including external agency support and spokespeople

• Strengthen YHA’s external presence, reputation and profile as a national youth charity and social enterprise

• Lead stakeholder engagement, partnerships, policy influence and horizon scanning for emerging risks and opportunities

• Manage crisis communications strategy and process

• Steward and leverage YHA’s heritage and archives to support impactful storytelling ahead of the 100‑year anniversary

What Skills and Experience do you need?

• Experience in communications, with a proven track record of developing and delivering strategic, organisation‑wide communications in a complex national organisation

• Strong ability to shape and communicate clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences across multiple internal and external channels

• Demonstrable experience of leading media relations, PR campaigns, stakeholder engagement and reputation management, including crisis communications

• High‑level writing, editing and content‑planning skills, with a creative and audience‑focused approach

• Ability to interpret complex organisational information and translate it into engaging, accessible and inspiring communications

• Experience influencing and advising senior leaders, bringing authority, constructive challenge and a cross‑organisational perspective

• Proven ability to identify reputational risks, anticipate emerging issues and recommend strategic communications responses

• Experience building productive partnerships and relationships with senior stakeholders, partner organisations, public bodies and agencies

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work to deadlines and find solutions under pressure

• Demonstration of our HEART values – they’re part of everything we do, and we look for people who bring them to life in their everyday work

For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please refer to the job description.

At YHA, we understand the richness of life experiences, and we place just as much importance on lived experiences as we do on skills and knowledge. We provide a robust induction, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal growth. While certain roles may require specific skills, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. For more information about how we are creating an inclusive workplace please visit our jobs website.

Who are YHA?

YHA is a social enterprise with a mission to enrich the lives of all, especially young people. YHA does this by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills.

If you would like to find out more about YHA the charity, the culture, the heritage and so much more please visit our jobs website.

How do you apply?

Submit your CV and complete the application form. For more information about our recruitment process, visit the job website.

Once the hiring manager has reviewed your application we will contact shortlisted candidates. We aim to get in touch within a reasonable amount of time after the closing date. You can also check on the progress of your application if you have signed up to Connect - our online candidate portal

PLEASE NOTE All relevant checks are in place to ensure safeguarding and legal requirements of safer recruitment are adhered to. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Job Title: Associate Careers Advisers (Schools Team)

Location: Kent and Medway

Salary: Day rate of £152 (inclusive of holiday pay)

Hours: Zero Hours

Contract: Zero Hours

Reports to: Senior Careers Adviser

About CXK

CXK empowers people to succeed in employment, education and training. The charity strives for a fairer society where everyone can grow and realise their potential. “The CXK Way” embodies the following core values:

Ethical – We work with professionalism, honesty and integrity

Passionate – We reach out enthusiastically to all who need out support

Innovative – We inspire, enhance and improve

Collaborative – We engage, support and share with others

Young Peoples’ Careers Service

CXK is the lead provider of Personal Careers Guidance to young people in schools and specialist centres across Kent & Medway, where we provide independent Personal Careers Guidance, via our CXK Young Peoples’ Careers Service.

We provide this through a variety of creative and innovative approaches

The Team

We are a diverse and welcoming team of advisers, who use a wide variety of creative methods to deliver personalised, client centred, personal careers guidance, ranging from one-to-one sessions through to group guidance, parents and options evenings, as well as focused talks and assemblies. We have minimal admin and keep our clients’ experience central to what we do, providing an inclusive service with individualised action plans, including the use of visual career maps, career cards and white boards, alongside more traditional approaches where appropriate.

We follow the CDI code of ethics and best practice for Action Planning (which names and recognises CXKs innovative work in this area):

The team is led by Chris Targett RCDP, who alongside his work at CXK, is the current Chair of the Careers Writers Association and co-author of the recently released Career Development and Inclusive Practice book, published by Trotman Publishing in partnership with the CDI.

The team is small but impactful. Feedback from our young people, that tell us about what our students valued regards our services:

• Helping young people understand their next steps
• Helping young people understand the options and careers choices they have
• Helping young people to know where to access further help, information, or support

The Role

The Careers Advisers will cover one or more of the following regions: Medway, West Kent and Mid Kent to a broad range of school and college settings, delivering creative and inclusive Personal Careers Guidance, as well as assemblies and drop-in sessions as required. 

Each student and each learning environment will be unique, so the opportunity lends itself well to candidates who enjoy traveling and working in varied locations, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and educating people of all abilities.

You will routinely liaise with Careers Leaders and senior school/ college staff to arrange and deliver activities for students during the school day. Whilst most delivery will take place between 8:30am and 4pm, travel before and after these times will be required and occasional attendance at parents’ and options evenings will also be required, but you will be given time off in lieu where this is applicable.

Skills and Knowledge

At CXK we are proud to be a disability confident and equal opportunities employer. We actively promote diversity within our workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Minimum Criteria

• Level 6 qualification (or above) in Careers Guidance Qualification (or equivalent
• Knowledge of Post 16 and Post 18 education and training routes for young people with and without additional needs and disabilities
• In possession of a full, clean UK Drivers Licence with access to your own vehicle

Core Competencies

• Experience of delivering careers, education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in schools / colleges and face-to-face with young people
• Events rebalanced via “time off in lieu”
• A willingness to deliver activities during school timetables; occasional evening
• Adept at juggling activities, travel and routine project admin; balancing school site work with homebased preparation
• Experience of Microsoft products and ability to use them effectively, including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• A commitment to undertake all necessary training for the role

Employee Experience

A career with CXK is rewarding work enabling you to fulfil your potential. This eclectic and exciting role within the CXK Young Peoples’ Careers team, provides the opportunity for you to travel from home to various education settings, networking with teachers and careers educators across the Kent and Medway area. You will hone specialised skills and knowledge relating to Post 16 and 18 career pathways, including 6th Forms, colleges, study programmes, gap-years, entrepreneurship, university and apprenticeship routes whilst being a positive influence on young people’s lives.

CXK employee benefits include:

• CDI and professional register membership (RCDP) paid for by CXK
• Defined contribution pension scheme (matched by CXK up to 10% depending on length of service criteria)
• Flexible working
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Training and development programmes and opportunities
• Mental and physical healthcare initiatives and more

Recruitment Timeline

Vacancy closing date: Ongoing

Application review date: Ongoing

Interviews dates: Ongoing

Useful Information

Should you wish to have an informal conversation before submitting your application, please contact recruitment @ cxk. org

Please note: Applicants will need to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide employment references before any offer of employment can be made.

All applications must be submitted online via our online portal.

A core part of YoungMinds’ work is to ensure that young people have the power to influence government policy.

Your role will involve supporting YoungMinds’ public affairs work by promoting the charity’s policy priorities to parliamentarians, officials and other decision-makers.

This will involve writing briefings and developing relationships through meetings and ongoing engagement. You will also work with the youth engagement team to facilitate young people’s involvement in parliamentary meetings and other forums.

Your role will also involve developing policy positions in response to the issues affecting young people’s mental health, based on external evidence as well as YoungMinds’ own research and consultation with young people.

You will provide briefings to internal colleagues, including the senior leadership team, to ensure they are kept up-to-date on key policy issues and trends.

You will also work closely with media and campaign colleagues, to ensure that our messaging on policy issues is clear, accurate, and effective.

Job Title: Careers Advisers (Schools Team)

Location: Kent and Medway

Salary: Term Time Only salary including annual leave is £27,802 - £30,097 (FTE £32,343 - £35,012)

Hours: Full-time or Part-time (minimum 22.2)

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Reports to: Regional Manager

About CXK

CXK empowers people to succeed in employment, education and training. The charity strives for a fairer society where everyone can grow and realise their potential. “The CXK Way” embodies the following core values:

Ethical – We work with professionalism, honesty and integrity

Passionate – We reach out enthusiastically to all who need out support

Innovative – We inspire, enhance and improve

Collaborative – We engage, support and share with others

Young Peoples’ Careers Service

CXK is the lead provider of Personal Careers Guidance to young people in schools and specialist centres across Kent & Medway, where we provide independent Personal Careers Guidance, via our CXK Young Peoples’ Careers Service.

We provide this through a variety of creative and innovative approaches:  

The Team

We are a diverse and welcoming team of advisers, who use a wide variety of creative methods to deliver personalised, client centred, personal careers guidance, ranging from one-to-one sessions through to group guidance, parents and options evenings, as well as focused talks and assemblies. We have minimal admin and keep our clients’ experience central to what we do, providing an inclusive service with individualised action plans, including the use of visual career maps, career cards and white boards, alongside more traditional approaches where appropriate.

We follow the CDI code of ethics and best practice for Action Planning (which names and recognises CXKs innovative work in this area):

The team is led by Chris Targett RCDP, who alongside his work at CXK, is the current Chair of the Careers Writers Association and co-author of the recently released Career Development and Inclusive Practice book, published by Trotman Publishing in partnership with the CDI.

The team is small but impactful. Feedback from our young people, that tell us about what our students valued regards our services:

• Helping young people understand their next steps
• Helping young people understand the options and careers choices they have
• Helping young people to know where to access further help, information, or support

The Role

The Careers Advisers will cover one or more of the following regions: Medway, West Kent and Mid Kent to a broad range of school and college settings, delivering creative and inclusive Personal Careers Guidance, as well as assemblies and drop-in sessions as required. 

Each student and each learning environment will be unique, so the opportunity lends itself well to candidates who enjoy traveling and working in varied locations, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and educating people of all abilities.

You will routinely liaise with Careers Leaders and senior school/ college staff to arrange and deliver activities for students during the school day. Whilst most delivery will take place between 8:30am and 4pm, travel before and after these times will be required and occasional attendance at parents’ and options evenings will also be required, but you will be given time off in lieu where this is applicable.

We would require you to work five days-a-week, term time only, with a pro rata holiday entitlement. If you would prefer part-time only employment (minimum of three days a week), this can be negotiated.

Skills and Knowledge

At CXK we are proud to be a disability confident and equal opportunities employer. We actively promote diversity within our workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Minimum Criteria

• Level 6 qualification (or above) in Careers Guidance Qualification (or equivalent
• Knowledge of Post 16 and Post 18 education and training routes for young people with and without additional needs and disabilities
• In possession of a full, clean UK Drivers Licence with access to your own vehicle

Core Competencies

• Experience of delivering careers, education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in schools / colleges and face-to-face with young people
• Events rebalanced via “time off in lieu”
• A willingness to deliver activities during school timetables; occasional evening
• Adept at juggling activities, travel and routine project admin; balancing school site work with homebased preparation
• Experience of Microsoft products and ability to use them effectively, including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• A commitment to undertake all necessary training for the role

Employee Experience

A career with CXK is rewarding work enabling you to fulfil your potential. This eclectic and exciting role within the CXK Young Peoples’ Careers team, provides the opportunity for you to travel from home to various education settings, networking with teachers and careers educators across the Kent and Medway area. You will hone specialised skills and knowledge relating to Post 16 and 18 career pathways, including 6th Forms, colleges, study programmes, gap-years, entrepreneurship, university and apprenticeship routes whilst being a positive influence on young people’s lives.

CXK employee benefits include:

• CDI and professional register membership (RCDP) paid for by CXK
• Defined contribution pension scheme (matched by CXK up to 10% depending on length of service criteria)
• Flexible working
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Training and development programmes and opportunities
• Mental and physical healthcare initiatives and more

Recruitment Timeline

Vacancy closing date: Ongoing

Application review date: Ongoing

Interviews dates: Ongoing

Useful Information

Should you wish to have an informal conversation before submitting your application, please contact recruitment @ cxk . org

Please note: Applicants will need to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide employment references before any offer of employment can be made.

All applications must be submitted online via our online portal.

Position Title:  Senior Lead Climate Coalition

Level: Level 5

Salary: £39, 000 - 44, 000 (FTE yearly)

Reports to: Associate Director of Partnerships

Location: Liberation centre Brixton, London (New office in Brixton)/ Remote working within the UK with at least 2 days’ work from our office (Pro rata for part time)

Contract: Fulltime (40hrs/weekly), fixed-term project contract for 1 year with potential for Part time (e.g., 32hrs/weekly) extension subject to funding.

Hours: TAA has flexible working hours, with some expected evenings (e.g., one 9pm finish once every two weeks) and weekends due to the nature of the role. All extra hours are reimbursed as Time off in Lieu (TOIL).

Start date: As soon as possible (potentially June with consideration for notice period)

Benefits:  TAA laptop and phone, (employee assistance and health cash package including staff supervision, counselling, dental, optical care and more.).

The Advocacy Academy is an activist youth movement. We serve as the political home for grassroots youth organising and the catalyst for collective action. The lives of the young people we work alongside have been directly shaped by living in an unjust world, and we exist to turn their anger into action.

Young people are often the catalysts for major social change, from the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, to the Soweto Uprising mobilising young people to resist the apartheid regime's education policies, to the Sunrise Movement redrawing the electoral map across America, and more recently encampments and protests across the world protesting the genocide in Palestine. How successfully they achieve real and lasting change depends on whether they are organised and whether they have the right strategy and tactics to be effective. 

We want youth organising to be enshrined in the UK for generations to come, and for young people to have tangible political power to influence national policy. That’s why we have launched two national coalitions, one around climate, and the other around gender. Each will train organisations across the country to become youth organisers and work together to bring 100 young people together to identify the strategy and tactics needed to achieve change. These young leaders will organise others and work collectively to build a campaign which shakes the status quo.

 We want youth organising to be enshrined in the UK for generations to come, and for young people to have tangible political power to influence national policy. That’s why we have launched two national coalitions, one around climate, and the other around gender. Each will train organisations across the country to become youth organisers, and work together to bring 100 young people together to identify the strategy and tactics needed to achieve change. These young leaders will organise others and work collectively to build a campaign which shakes the status quo.

We are looking for a Senior Lead Climate Coalition who believes in this vision and is capable of building the leadership in youth workers and young people alike that enables them to turn the resources they have into the power they need to make the change they want. It will be your job to help grow this programme, organise our partners, create magic and spark the hope for something more! If this excites you, then please apply.

Before you skim the job description, please remember you don’t have to tick all the boxes for each role to apply. Charity experience is not a requirement! We all experience a bit of imposter syndrome, including the staff here at The Advocacy Academy. Let’s name it for what it is - a manifestation of the oppression many of us face on a day to day. If this role pulls you and you believe you could make a difference, then apply anyway or reach out to us to discuss more!

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. You will coordinate our climate Coalition – Roots to Rise. You will be accountable for the development and delivery of our Climate Coalition Programme; Roots to Rise, including but not limited to: 

• Coordinating efforts to set the strategic direction and priorities for the Programme, working primarily with the Director of Programmes and Partnerships and Associate Director of Partnerships, and in connection with others that need to feed into the programme.
• Proactively build relationships with our coalition partners. This involves: 
  • Holding regular 1:1s and relational meetings that strengthen our connection, supporting partners to identify and act on their developing political interests, and ensuring they meet coalition milestones. 
  •   It also includes providing ongoing support around campaigns and community organising, enabling partners to lead and deliver local actions following the Summer Camp.
• Lead the Youth Steering Group. This involves: 
  • Providing strategic oversight and facilitation of the Youth Steering Group, ensuring consistent engagement, strong attendance, and meaningful youth voice throughout the programme.
  • Setting clear agendas, supporting members to contribute confidently, and ensuring insights are captured and translated into programme design and delivery. 
  • Working closely with partners to maintain alignment and ensure the group reflects the diversity and needs of the young people Roots to Rise serves.
• Lead the development of the Summer Camp (15th - 19th August 2026), ensuring availability across these dates: 
  •  Work closely with the Associate Director of Partnerships to oversee the delivery of the Roots to Rise Summer Camp, ensuring all elements are well-coordinated, high-quality, and aligned with programme outcomes.
  • Take ownership of key logistics, including timelines, partner coordination, and on-the-ground delivery, ensuring a smooth and inclusive experience for all participants. 
  • Support and enact mechanisms to capture learning and feedback throughout, ensuring insights are gathered effectively to inform real-time improvements and future iterations of the camp.
• You will ensure that Roots to Rise runs like a well-oiled machine by pulling in the right people at the right time to ensure key milestones are met:
  • Coordinate and maintain a suite of behind-the-scenes systems, processes and resources to keep things running like clockwork and provide transparency and help build trust
  • Coordinate the holding of safeguarding, risk management standards and ensure Health and Safety standards are met.
  • Maintain the clear monitoring and evaluation frameworks for your work which allow you and your team to learn, test, and re-test as you build, in partnership with young people and other partners
•  Hold the budget for the Roots to Rise Programme, ensuring that all activities are run within financial targets, working closely with the Director of Programmes and Partnerships and Associate Director of Partnerships to maintain oversight, identify efficiencies and potential savings, and proactively flag any risks or opportunities that may impact delivery or budget adherence.

2. You will support our wider partnerships work. Support the Associate Director of Partnerships to deliver our overall partnerships strategy. This will include, but is not limited:

• Working closely with the Senior Lead for Gender Coalition to identify opportunities for collaboration and reducing duplication
• Work closely with the Programmes, Organising and Campaigns, and Community teams to develop training on organising and campaigning.
• Deliver ad hoc workshops and meetings, holding space effectively and designing and delivering creative learning journeys for young people.

3. You will a key member of the Programme Team, including but not limited to:

• Support efforts to set the strategic direction and priorities for the Programmes Team each financial year.
• Support the Director of Programmes and Partnerships and Associate Director of Partnerships with the management and mitigation of organisational risks presented by the Coalition by escalating issues in a timely manner and contributing to effective problem solving.
•  Contribute to the delivery of wider organisational programmes beyond Roots to Rise, including providing support to initiatives such as Ignite and other internal programme delivery as required, ensuring alignment with team priorities and organisational goals.

4. Share responsibilities for achieving our strategic objectives by upholding our vision, mission, strategy, ideology, and cultural values within your area and across TAA, supporting on cross-departmental projects as needed:

• Embody our commitment to social and economic justice, ensuring this is consistently reflected in decision-making, delivery and partnerships
• Role model and actively steward our culture and value expectations across the organisation including but not limited to: leading by example across departments and during team days and role-modelling leadership
• Proactively identify and surface opportunities that strengthen organisational impact, working closely with senior leadership, including the Director of Finance, HR and Ops, and contributing to strategic thinking and direction
• Hold responsibility for identifying and addressing risks to our integrity, authenticity and alignment with our ideology and culture, taking appropriate and timely action
• Strengthen collaboration across departments by creating and enabling opportunities for joint working, ensuring teams are aligned, resourced and working in tandem
•  Contribute to a culture of openness and care by communicating your wellbeing needs to your line manager, shaping and feeding back on TAA wellbeing initiatives, and supporting others to engage with and uphold this culture
•  Take ownership of your ongoing development, actively seeking opportunities to deepen your leadership, knowledge and areas of specialism

5.  Governance and Compliance

• Work with your team and the Finance, HR and Operations team to prioritise and centre risk management in your portfolio: feeding into risk analysis and mitigation, identifying and escalating risks to the strategic objectives, taking the lead to mitigate risks early and thoroughly.
• Hold oversight of risk within your area, ensuring appropriate systems and practices are in place and consistently applied
• Ensure understanding and compliance with TAA policies and practices and take the lead on their implementation within your portfolio

A BIT ABOUT YOU

• You are passionate about, and committed to, creating a more fair, just and equal world. 
• You believe in the potential of young people to challenge the status quo and are dedicated to helping them become more powerful citizens.
• You’ve got a deep understanding of, and a personal relationship with, issues of social justice. From racism to the housing crisis to climate justice, you’ll be aware of how systemic injustice operates in our society, clued-up and well-informed on the big issues of our time, and committed to changing them.
•  You’ll be comfortable managing a “to-do” list of competing priorities and balancing your workload to meet competing deadlines.
•  You’re a sensitive and thoughtful relationship-builder who is interested in building a network of relationships to support the Advocacy Academy’s work. You’re a great listener, and remember people’s names, faces, and stories. 
• You’re a confident written and verbal communicator, who is comfortable with tailoring communication to reach a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.
• You’re proactive, organised, and eager to learn, whether that’s chatting with potential funders, researching new opportunities or collaborating with teammates.

IDEAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE  

• At least 5 years of experience in programmes delivery on issues of social justice working with young people and/or 
• At least 5 years of experience in supporting people to be more confident and comfortable developing and implementing organising or campaign efforts.
• Detail oriented
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
•  Experience working with different audiences or types of stakeholders 
•  Strong project management and experience working collaboratively across teams both in person and online
• Excellent organisational skills with confidence managing multiple tasks at the same time/ balancing multiple priorities to meet deadlines
• Experience with our existing systems e.g., Gmail/ Google Doc/ Google Sheets/ Canva/ Slack
• Confidence working in a fast-paced environment 

This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Senior Lead Climate Coalition role, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of the Liberation Centre and our young people. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.

HOW TO APPLY  

Candidates will be asked to provide a CV and a Cover Letter OR a supporting video application addressing the following questions (no more than 1000 words or 10 minutes for all questions).

• Tell us about a climate justice issue that makes you angry and why it matters to you?
• Our Senior Lead for Climate Coalition will train young people and organisations to become confident climate organisers. Tell us about a training programme you were part of, what it achieved, what it didn’t, your role in that effort and any reflections you have about being part of it?
• Our Senior Lead Climate Coalition will support people to act on their developing political interests. Tell us about a time when you helped someone learn and develop their capacity to make change in the world?
• Include anything else you would like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Senior Lead Climate Coalition role.

In addition, please also provide information on your notice period and your availability for interview. You may also attach any other content that would be relevant for us to have in order to showcase interest and experience. The content can come in any form of media, including but not limited to - a mind map of ideas, a timeline or portfolio of your work, life or experiences; a recording; a Powerpoint or other form of presentation; a song, article, poem or other writing samples.

DATES

• Closing Date: The deadline for applications 18th May 2026 by 10am.
• Task: If shortlisted you may be required to complete a brief facilitation activity with young people around organising or campaigns.
• First Round of Interviews: will be scheduled for w/c 18th May 2026 (Dates are subject to change).
• Second Round of Interviews: will be scheduled for w/c 01 June 2026 (Dates are subject to change).

Please be aware that we will be interviewing as we receive applications. The application date might be brought forward if we find the right person.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Communications Officer to come and join our team in Redcar & Cleveland. 

Location – This role is both community-based in Redcar & Cleveland, with the ability to work from home as agreed with your manager. There may also be occasional travel to other programme sites (currently Middlesbrough, Stoke-On-Trent and Scotland) or travel to our London office.  

Salary – Up to £35,000 DOE 

Employment Type – Permanent

Team – Communications team

About you

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following: 

• Significant experience in a communications role, including experience with copywriting and content creation. 
• Experience producing high quality, clear, compelling and audience appropriate content for a range of platforms. 
• The ability to clearly demonstrate our impact and inspire collaboration among our partners and stakeholders by sharing compelling and meaningful stories.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the local community, including its strengths, needs, and challenges. 
• Strong knowledge and skills in Adobe Creative Suite such as Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop or Canva. 

About the role

The responsibilities of this role include: 

• Actively identify opportunities where communications can strengthen programme delivery, support parent outreach and increase engagement with families and communities. 
• Develop the local stakeholder engagement approach in line with agreed objectives, proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen relationships and using data and team insight to increase engagement.
• Support effective communications with stakeholders across sectors including community, health, education and local organisations. 
• Develop and produce compelling, audience focused content for a range of channels, including newsletters, case studies and promotional materials. 
• Work closely with the Head of Communications, Programme Leads and colleagues across the organisation to align communications priorities with programme and organisational objectives. 

About us

Thrive at Five is a national charity focused on giving every child the best possible start in life. We know the foundations for life and learning are built in the earliest years, from pregnancy to five. By working alongside families, communities and local partners, we help build stronger, more connected support for parents, so more children get what they need to thrive and reach a good level of development by age five.
 

Thrive at Five is a relatively young organisation but with an already strong national and political profile, having been called out in Parliament for our ways of working in Stoke-on-Trent and invited to be interviewed at the 2025 Civil Society Summit by the Secretary of State for Education. We have grown rapidly in our first four years, with a growing team of nearly 40 across the country. 2026 will be a year of further growth and milestones for the charity as we celebrate our fifth-year anniversary and expand into our third and fourth regions. This will involve recruiting for a new teams, establishing our programmes and beginning to co-design and implement our work in partnership with communities. 

About our benefits

• Pension contributions – We will contribute 3% and you can contribute 5% towards your pension through NEST. 
• 25 annual leave days per year plus bank holidays.
• £100 contribution towards your professional body membership.

Please note that as this role is subject to a successful Basic Level Disclosure check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you have any unspent convictions, but wish to apply for this role, please advise us in your application. The successful candidate will also need to provide satisfactory references and current right to work in the UK. 

To apply for this role, please submit your cover letter and CV by following the Apply Now button. Closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 8th May 2026.

We Belong is a migrant youth-led charity based in London. We Belong exists to ensure young migrants living in the UK are treated equally and fairly in the society they call home. We Belong works with and for young migrants to hold those in power to account and fight for wider immigration reform.

Role: Community Organiser

Location: Manchester

Starting Salary: £32-£34,000 Full Time (depending on experience)

Inclusive: Enhanced training and development package which includes 1-1 coaching on organising.

Staff benefits: We Belong supports the holistic development of staff, which includes subsidised wellbeing provision. Employees also have access to a community of changemakers.

Travel: We have a London base; the successful candidate will need to travel to the London office periodically. All travel expenses and accommodation are covered by the organisation.

Plus 3% auto enrolment pension contribution, in line with government criteria.

We Belong is a migrant youth-led charity based in London. We Belong exists to ensure young migrants living in the UK are treated equally and fairly in the society they call home. We Belong works with and for young migrants to hold those in power to account and fight for wider immigration reform.

The Community Organiser will develop We Belong’s community outreach and youth organising in Manchester and the North, working with staff to identify target boroughs/wards, initiate partnerships and collaborations with local councils, community and grassroot organisations. The Community Engagement officer will have oversight of the Chasing Status Hyper Local Project which focuses on network creation, mobilisation for campaigns for shorter routes to settlement as well as early intervention to ensure that no young migrant is left behind.

Candidates with Lived Experience are welcome to apply, as well as those with an interest in social justice issues and experience in community organising.

If successful, the applicant will be joining an award-winning youth charity and a staff team dedicated to improving outcomes for young migrants between the ages of 16-25 years old and empowering young people to create change.

Applications open: Thursday 30th April 2026

Closing date for applications: 30th May 2026

Interviews: w/c 15th June 2026 

We are looking for a Mentor Services Coordinator to support our volunteer mentors in the South East of England consisting of Hertfordshire, Surrey, North London and West London.

About the role

Our Mentor Services Coordinators are the main point of contact for volunteer mentors throughout their journey with MCR - from their initial enquiry and onboarding, to ongoing support once they are matched with a young person. They carry out in-depth interviews with prospective mentors, arrange training, and coordinate DBS and reference checks, ensuring the entire process is as smooth and well-supported as possible. 

Key responsibilities:

• Providing excellent customer service to prospective and existing mentors using strong communication skills on the telephone, in virtual meetings, by email and sometimes in person

• Ensure all of our volunteer mentors are individually supported and fully engaged at every stage of their mentor journey

• Manage DBS checks and support the ID verification process

• Conduct mentor one-to-one conversations and facilitate mentor training sessions and other mentor engagement activities.

About you

• Customer service experience

• Based in the South East of England and able to travel to the Stevenage office 2 days a week

• Experience of or strong interest in working or volunteering in the charity or third sectors

• An understanding of young people and educational settings

• People person with excellent communication and listening skills and empathy

• Well organised with great administrative skills and attention to detail

• Excellent desktop and database skills

About us

MCR Pathways is an award-winning charity established in Glasgow in 2007.  Our mentoring programme is now delivered in schools across the whole of Scotland as well as South East England.  We are delighted that we are now launching the MCR programme in the North East of England and we are committed to helping the region’s most vulnerable young people gain self-confidence, identify their skills and recognise and fulfil their potential. Our vision is for all young people to experience equality of education outcomes, career opportunities and life chances.  Our mentoring programme has profound impacts on school pupils in their confidence, wellbeing and post-school progression. MCR Mentors are volunteers who make and experience a life-changing difference.  You will be joining a friendly and supportive team who love what they do and enjoy working with each other.  We model our values and many of us are also mentors ourselves.

Benefits of working for MCR Pathways include:  33 days annual leave in first year rising to 38 days from 2nd year of employment, 7% Employer Pension Contribution, additional day off for your birthday,  Life Assurance - 4 x salary, Employee Assistance Programme.

We are looking for an Activity Plan Consultant to draft RGB Kew’s Activity Plan, which forms a core part of our second round application for the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

If you’re a senior bid writer or experienced development lead, with a sharp eye for detail, please be in touch and/or share the role with your network. 

This role will focus on shaping a clear, compelling and fundable narrative, drawing together existing materials and stakeholder input to demonstrate a well-evidenced, audience-focused programme. 

The activity programme will expand engagement with diverse audiences, integrate co-production within learning and participation and strengthen inclusive access during the closure of the Palm House.

We are building on Kew’s successful first round application to develop our second round submission. We are looking for someone who can draw on existing materials and create a compelling narrative that demonstrates that our programme of activities are well designed and relevant.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Synthesise a wide range of inputs into a coherent Activity Plan

• Align the programme with NLHF priorities and outcomes

• Clearly articulate relevance, need, and impact

• Ensure the programme is robust, deliverable and well evidenced 

Available immediately to join us on a contract basis. 

Applications by 6 May.

Please get in touch if you would like further information. We look forward to hearing from you.