Advocacy Jobs in East Midlands

BACKGROUND

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the international Habitat for Humanity network.  We tackle housing poverty around the world by working in partnership with communities and families to achieve their dreams of a safe and decent place to live. You can find out more about our work on our website.

We are embarking on an ambitious new direction at Habitat GB; leveraging our global housing expertise and the learning from our flagship national programme “Empty Spaces to Homes” to work collaboratively with Habitat colleagues across Europe in effecting change at a policy level.

“Empty Spaces to Homes” is a ground-breaking initiative focused on a circular buildings approach that already has a feasible proof of concept from piloting, with strong upscaling potential. The premise is simple; unlocking the potential of long term empty commercial spaces to create affordable housing for vulnerable people. As well as the social benefits of adding to affordable housing stock, the Empty Spaces to Homes approach of retrofitting existing structures – at a much lower carbon cost - offers a greener and more sustainable way to meet the housing gap, in comparison to the environmental impact of the new build construction industry. Breaking down long-standing barriers to resource-efficient renovation is essential if the UK is to play its part in meeting ambitious global decarbonisation targets.

Purpose of The role

The UK Housing Advocacy Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by leading advocacy efforts, shaping policies, and promoting sustainable housing solutions for affordable housing in Great Britain, particularly through our groundbreaking initiative "Empty Spaces to Homes."

As this is a new role, and is being recruited alongside the Head of Global Affairs and Advocacy, key responsibilities will include the establishment of a new function at Habitat GB.  It involves working closely with colleagues across the Habitat GB organisation and contributing to advocacy efforts across the Habitat network at global and regional levels through engagement, strategy and shared learning.  Key responsibilities also include developing communication and advocacy strategies targeting professionals and decision makers in social, environmental and housing sectors, as well as undertaking research and writing policy papers.

Main Responsibilities 

1) Research and Analysis:

• Commission and conduct in-depth research into current British housing landscapes and related legislation, assessing the effectiveness of mechanisms for converting unused premises into social housing and its environmental impact.
• Identify legal changes necessary to facilitate such activities and advocate for their implementation.

2) Lead Policy Advocacy Efforts:

• Utilise research findings to develop policy positions and identify priority issues, setting policy goals, and mapping out related advocacy activities.
• Embed critical concepts such as embodied carbon and whole life cycle into policy communications to amplify Habitat GB's messaging.

3) Partnerships and Networks:

• Join and represent Habitat GB at existing coalitions or form new coalitions if necessary with stakeholders in the social, environmental, and housing sectors to advocate for climate and equity-related incentives in national and local legislations, policies, and funding mechanisms.
• Build a network of relationships among key stakeholder groups and individual decision-makers to advance Habitat's policy goals.
• Identify strategic events and ensure speaking roles for Habitat GB.
• Represent Empty Spaces to Homes and Habitat for Humanity’s wider UK programmes for awareness raising, advocacy and other priorities at key meetings and events.

4) Direct Lobbying:

• Cultivate strategic relationships with key decision-makers to further Habitat's policy objectives.

5) Collaboration:

• Develop collaborative partnerships internally with Habitat entities across Europe, aligning with the broader strategic objectives of the Empty Spaces to Homes initiative.
• Support communication efforts to underpin advocacy efforts effectively.

6) Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Work with the Impact Team to provide regular updates on advocacy strategy activities and evaluate their effectiveness.

Person Specification

· Proven experience in professional advocacy to influence key policy positions and decisions, preferably in housing or a related field.

· Track record in delivering targeted advocacy strategies and implementing communication strategies to support advocacy efforts.

· Experience in engaging stakeholders and decision-makers through events, networks, and meetings.

· Experience in community mobilisation or engagement.

· Understanding of housing poverty policies and related social welfare issues in Great Britain, with the ability to advise on effective mechanisms for influence.

· Familiarity with Local Authority Governance and opportunities for policy influence at local and regional levels.

Skills and competencies:

· Proficient in clear and effective written and verbal communication to convey complex policy matters to diverse groups.

· Strong relationship-building skills with government representatives, NGOs, and various stakeholders.

· Strategic thinking abilities and collaborative work approach towards organisational objectives and advocacy approaches.

· Ability to collaborate with diverse teams across multiple locations.

· Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines and adapt to challenges.

· Enthusiastic, positive, and proactive with a solution-oriented mindset.

· Demonstrated interest in our work and commitment to continuous learning and development.

· Dedication to contributing to the inclusive, people-positive culture at Habitat.

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:

· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding

Policy.

· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.

· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list.  Job descriptions may be subject to change.

Flexibility   

Habitat GB is seeking to rapidly expand its activities and impact to fight poverty across the world. This means that the organisation must be adaptable and flexible and have an ambitious, dynamic and flexible team.  It is a requirement of the post holder to be flexible in terms of location (within reason), line management, and duties and responsibilities.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Start your Habitat journey

We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to share your skills and experience, and to find out more about Habitat. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with a member of the team before submitting an application. To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a cover letter telling us about yourself, how you meet the person specification, and your motivation for applying – we don’t expect this to be more than two sides of A4. 

The deadline for applications is 12 May 2024 (at 11:59 pm).

Interviews will take place online from the week beginning 20 May 2024. Selected candidates will be contacted to agree a suitable time for interview.

Please note that we do not reimburse any expenses incurred during interviews.

We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role. 

This post profile is not set in stone. It gives insight into the main purpose of the role, and expected responsibilities, but it might be reviewed in the future to meet the changing requirements of Habitat for Humanity GB – any changes will be made in discussion with the post-holder. 

Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work.  Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct.

At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

Unfortunately, because of high volume of applications we will not be able to contact unsuccessful applicants. If you haven’t heard from us within a month of the application deadline, please assume that your application has not been successful.

Salary: £34,000 to £37,000 per annum (FTE), depending on experience.

Hours: 35 hours per week FTE, we will consider flexible hours & 3 or 4 day week working.

Place of work: Remote/Hybrid.

Please note that the role will require some attendance at face-to-face meetings in either the Scottish parliament or Northern Ireland Assembly and therefore applications are welcomed from people living in, or with easy access to, Edinburgh or Belfast. You will also be required to attend our Hatfield Office for a minimum of 4 (all staff) days annually.

About us

We're the UK's leading charity for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Right now, an estimated 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease many people have never heard of and for which there is no known cure. Because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these diseases, thousands of people are suffering in silence. But we’re here to support and champion their cause and our new ambitious plans will help to make a real difference.

The role

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those living with Crohn's and Colitis? At Crohn’s & Colitis UK, we are seeking a dedicated Policy Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping our policy and public affairs initiatives in alignment with our strategic objectives and UK-wide influencing priorities. As a Policy Lead, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the development of our policy and public affairs engagement plans that ensure a strong and influential voice for individuals affected by Crohn’s and Colitis.

Working closely with the Head of Policy and Campaigns and the Policy Manager, you will actively engage in effective policy development and advocacy efforts, making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people across the UK. Join our team and be a driving force in creating positive change for those impacted by these conditions.

This role will require some attendance at Scottish Parliament, or Northern Ireland Assembly and other Government offices for face-to-face meetings.

About you

• develop and deliver evidence-based policy initiatives to transform services
•  build and maintain relationships with decision makers across Scotland and Northern Ireland
• communicate with them succinctly and effectively to amplify our voice
•  keep track of policy developments in Scotland and Northern Ireland
• use your knowledge of health policy and build networks to change systems.

Together, we will achieve better diagnosis, better care and better lives for everyone affected by Crohn’s and Colitis.

How to apply

Closing date: Tuesday 7th May 2024 – 9am.

If you wish to apply for this role, please provide a cv and supporting statement giving evidence and examples of how you meet the criteria of the person specification and what you feel you would bring to the role.

Please note: no applications will move forward within the recruiting process without a supporting statement. Applications will be assessed as and when they are received, and interviews arranged, so we may close the position before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

We will not be accepting any contact from Recruitment Agencies or Media Sales

England’s National Parks represent our finest landscapes, famed for their spectacular beauty, varied wildlife and rich cultural heritage. National Parks are critical to supporting local communities, providing access to green spaces for the nation, and helping to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and declining biodiversity.

National Parks England’s purpose is to be the collective voice for English National Park Authorities, helping us to achieve our purposes through influencing policy.  We are a small team, working with a much wider team of colleagues across National Park Authorities.

As Senior Media and Communications Officer within NPE you will support a range of the policy and influencing work of National Park Authorities for a range of campaigns and projects including our work on Generation Green and the Protected Landscapes Partnership.

You will work alongside the wider team to ensure effective communication through the media to influence public opinion and political change. As well as high quality media relations, the post will support delivery of public relations activities, and support wider public affairs and stakeholder relations.

The successful candidate will have excellent media, public relations and integrated communications skills gained within a policy and influencing environment and will be confident to play both lead and supporting roles on a wide range of projects. They will have excellent writing and editing skills, an understanding of what makes media worthy content, and experience of building relationships with journalists. The post holder should also have experience of as supporting stakeholder engagement with those in and around government and in working with a range of project partners.

England’s National Parks represent our finest landscapes, famed for their spectacular beauty, varied wildlife and rich cultural heritage. National Parks are critical to supporting local communities, providing access to green spaces for the nation, and helping to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and declining biodiversity.

National Parks England’s purpose is to be the collective voice for English National Park Authorities, helping us to achieve our purposes through influencing policy.

The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will be an experienced public affairs professional with a passion for nature and understanding of National Parks. 

The successful applicant will join our senior management team, managing the Policy and Public Affairs team and work with the Executive Director  to help develop and drive the NPE policy and public affairs strategy, working closely with stakeholders in our member National Parks and the wider Protected Landscapes family.

People living with Parkinson's value the services and opportunities Parkinson’s UK provides, delivered by committed and skilled colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations. Following an investment of 1.5 million we have the opportunity to build on the quality and reach of our community services. 

About the role

You’ll empower your clients to take actions for themselves or will advocate on their behalf for better service, support and outcomes, so they can live their life with Parkinson's in the way they choose.

You’ll deliver tailored information and support through a range of channels including telephone, video and email and, where appropriate, home visits and in community settings.

You’ll be responsible for building excellent relationships with healthcare professionals and other relevant agencies, as well as our network of volunteers and groups.

What you'll do:

• Provide professional person centred, in depth support to clients by a range of means, ensuring the most efficient and effective use of resources.

• Provide support on a variety of health and social care issues, including appropriate emotional, employment and welfare benefits support and advocating with and on behalf of clients. 

• Work flexibly across the service responding to enquiries through a range of channels.

• Work closely with clinicians, specialist nurses and other professional colleagues to raise the profile of the service, increase depth of support and achieve improved outcomes for people with Parkinson’s.

What you'll bring: 

• Experience of managing and delivering individual case work, including advocating for clients and supporting people to navigate  the health and social care system 

• Experience and understanding of safeguarding and your role in keeping clients safe and  implementing organisational policies and procedure

• Ability to be calm and use emotional intelligence in challenging casework

• Demonstrable digital competence, with experience of effective use of a range of tools including online case management systems

• The ability to build effective working relationships with others including working within multi disciplinary teams internally and externally 

You must live in the area you’re applying for in order to carry out this role. 

Please apply by sending us your CV, together with supporting statements. The supporting statement should fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the role description.

We are operating rolling recruitment for this vacancy and reviewing applications as they are received. We reserve the right to close this vacancy when we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

The successful candidate will be required to: 

• live in the area specified, and be able to travel freely and flexibly throughout the area and occasionally further afield without reliance on public transport

• Preferably hold a full driving licence

• provide occasional cover on Saturdays and/or Bank holidays

• provide their own broadband service with a minimum download speed of 2Mb 

This role will require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You’ll be required to apply for one; refusal to do so will result in the offer being withdrawn.

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

Please note, a Welsh copy of the following job description is available on our website.

Rewilding Britain - Wales Advocacy Coordinator

Since Rewilding Britain was formed in 2015 rewilding has moved from being a niche idea to playing a significant role in the fight against some of the biggest global challenges we face. Rewilding Britain is at the forefront of this change, acting as a catalyst for debate and action, and demonstrating the power of working with nature to build a sustainable world where people thrive.

Imagine a Wales where the connection between culture and nature is reawakened. Where a rich tapestry of native woodlands, wetlands, wildflower meadows and grasslands is stitched back together. Where land and seas teem with life and where nature-based enterprises support thriving communities far and wide. And imagine that this has been led and achieved by local people.

Rewilding Britain wants to see rewilding flourishing across 30% of Britain, reconnecting us with the natural world, sustaining communities and tackling the interconnected nature and climate emergencies.

We influence policy, inspire public action and catalyse joined-up practical and financial support to help establish rewilding across Britain’s land and seas. Through a rapidly growing Rewilding Network we’re bringing together a community of rewilders - from land managers and farmers, to charities, community groups and national parks - to inspire and support each other to create a wilder, more prosperous Britain. It’s not too late - but we must act now.

We're now seeking a self-motivated Welsh Advocacy Coordinator to join our team and help steer Rewilding Britain’s policy and advocacy activities in Wales. The successful candidate will be an innovative, driven and forward-thinking individual with a proven track record of advocacy, policy or influencing work within a relevant sector. This is an exciting opportunity to join our fast growing charity and directly contribute to the growth of the rewilding movement.

Job purpose:

There's already a growing rewilding movement across Wales. Increasingly, land managers are looking for ways to incorporate rewilding into their practices, at a time the Welsh Senedd is investigating ways for Wales to meet its net zero and nature recovery commitments. Building on this, you'll help support the development and delivery of a collaborative and locally-led rewilding vision and work to ensure that it is mainstreamed within Welsh Government policy and practice.

Objective of the Role:

In collaboration with key Welsh organisations and stakeholders, develop, research and lead the delivery of evidence-based policy influencing, public affairs and campaigning activities which support the mainstreaming of rewilding into policy and practice in Wales.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating the planning and delivery of policy and influencing activities in Wales, primarily through working with and developing new partnerships in Wales
• Keeping up to date with changing policies and legislation in relation to rewilding, identifying opportunities to deliver positive change
• Developing relevant policy positions and communicating these in order to influence the Welsh policy environment
• Gathering intelligence and research, summarising evidence and communicating learning in order to develop these policy positions
• Ensuring that the connection between localism, communities, culture and rewilding is integrated into Rewilding Britain’s work in Wales
• Building and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships, particularly with civil servants, policy makers, national and local decision-makers, and campaigning/landowning/marine bodies
• Working with Rewilding Network members in Wales to build broad engagement in joint advocacy activities, backing this up with compelling evidence of the benefits of rewilding
• Developing the creation of a co-operative approach to Rewilding in Wales (e.g. similar to that of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance)
• Providing political monitoring and intelligence to colleagues across the organisation and partners operating in Wales
• Working collaboratively with other organisations, influencers and campaigns

Skills, experience and behaviours

Skills and experience

Essential:

• At least 5 years’ experience of working in policy, public affairs and/or campaigns in a relevant field in Wales
• Demonstrable understanding of the political, economic and cultural landscape in Wales relevant to rewilding
• Highly organised with excellent networking skills
• Ability to analyse research and evidence to influence policy
• Persuasive communication skills which influence and motivate
• Ability to work autonomously, showing initiative while building excellent relationships with the wider team
• Skilled at combining policy, public affairs and campaigning activities, with clear evidence of impact

Desirable:

• Ability to speak Welsh is highly desirable.
• Experience managing work remotely
• Experience in and understanding of rewilding
• Experience of public speaking
• Experience of dealing with press and other media
• Project management experience

Behaviours

Essential:

• A self-starter with initiative and motivation who works to make things happen.
• Positive, collaborative attitude.
• Passionate, confident and adaptable.
• Focussed and results driven.

This job description is not all encompassing and may change to reflect need. Your duties may be reviewed from time to time and revised and updated in consultation with you to reflect appropriate changes.
 

Terms and conditions and staff benefits

This is a full-time role at 35 hours per week, but we're open to applications from those looking to work 28 hours or more per week.

The salary is £38k - £45k per annum (depending on relevant experience).

There will be some freedom for the person to determine their own working arrangements each week, within limitations, providing the work is delivered.

Rewilding Britain employees benefit from 25 days annual leave per year (pro rata for part time roles), rising to 30 days over 5 years. A generous employer-matched pension scheme is also available.

We are a virtual team who work from home and/or co-working spaces. We'll support you to achieve a suitable virtual working environment. Some meetings are held face to face across Britain, so a willingness to travel with occasional overnight stays is desirable.
 

Use of artificial intelligence tools: Rewilding Britain does not accept cover letters, presentations or answers to recruitment questions whose content is AI generated and we will actively screen for this as part of our recruitment process. Rewilding Britain does not use AI tools to review candidate applications; real people will review and shortlist applications.
 

Equality in employment: Candidates will be shortlisted and selected according to suitability for the post without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
 

Rewilding Britain is not a licenced sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to the provision of a valid right to work in the UK.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for a new Advocate to join our team in Lincolnshire. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team covering Lincolnshire. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Separate Life Assurance Cover
• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
• Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
• Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
• Support with continuous professional development

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; midnight on 5th May 2024, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

We look forward to hearing from you.

NB:

If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training.

As the Training Programmes Manager you will have oversight and responsibility for the healthcare professional training projects and activities, as well as growing the M4RD network within HCP groups and training institutions.

You will be key to rolling out Rare Disease 101 training for healthcare professionals all over the UK and potentially abroad. While you are not expected to deliver training yourself you will be pivotal to creating opportunities and facilitating all aspects of the programme.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Co-lead M4RD’s Ambassador Programme, managing the clinical and medical student ambassadors.

• Planning and delivering training events.

• Deliver educational and training projects inline with M4RD’s current strategy and work programme.

• Collaborate  with training institutions and NHS workplaces inline with M4RD’s current strategy and work programme.

• Potential to manage up to two members of the M4RD Team.

• Support the CEO and Operations & Finance Manager with recruitment duties, operational strategy and development and coaching any relevant staff.

About us:

Community ConneX is a campaigning organisation and a multi-project service provider working across West London. We support autistic people, people with a disability, and people and families experiencing barriers to live healthier, happier, and inclusive lives. We do this by ensuring their needs, rights and aspirations are met.

Advocacy 1st is a free, independent service provided by advocates who specialise in the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and the Mental Health Act.

Location: Remote based in Oxfordshire

Key duties:

· Recruiting, training and providing ongoing support to volunteers

· Working with the children and young people to assess their service requirements

· Working with stakeholders to raise awareness and recognise and identify care leavers and young people in need of the Independent Visitors and Care Leavers service

· Looking at opportunities to engage and work with services to identify care leavers and independent visitors

· Reporting and discussing all safeguarding concerns with the service manager

· Completing initial assessments and matching volunteers to young people

· Raising the profile of the Independent Visitors and Care Leavers service

Our ideal candidate:

· Has qualifications relevant to the role

· Has experience of working with children and young people.

· Is aware of legislation such as Care Act 2014, Children and Families Act 2014, Children Act 1989, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child (UNCRC)

· Has excellent communications and writing skills, and the ability to tailor written and verbal communications to a wide range of different audiences

· Can maintain existing relationships and develop new relationships with clients, families, colleagues and volunteers

· Can generate reports and make presentations

In return we offer a range of benefits including:

· Pension contribution up to 5%

· Death in service insurance

· Employee assistance programme

· Bluelight Card

· Cycle to work scheme

· 23 days of annual leave + bank holidays (increases after 2 years of service)

· Gym membership

· Healthcash plan

· Professional development

We are committed to safeguarding and equal opportunities, and we guarantee an interview to all applicants with disabilities meeting the minimum criteria for the post.

We also want to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable facilities to participate in job applications or interviews to perform essential job functions. To support this, we are a Disability Confident committed employer.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Nature and Wellbeing Manager to lead our exciting new project expanding RSPB's flagship 'Nature Prescriptions' Programme into Wales building on the expertise and experience of our Scottish and English colleagues.

Nature and Wellbeing Manager
Reference: APR20247410
Location: Flexible in Wales
Salary: £32,022.00 - £34,377.00 Per Annum
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 Hours per week
Duration: Fixed Term, 22 months
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave

We have a wealth of evidence that individuals with a greater connection to nature experience improved mental wellbeing, greater vitality and happiness, and deeper life satisfaction. Research also shows that increasing your connection with nature can positively impact a range of conditions, including stress, anxiety and depression, as well as outcomes for some physical health conditions too.

RSPB 'Nature Prescriptions' are designed to encourage and prompt people to connect to nature in support of their goals for better wellbeing. We believe that everyone, no matter where they live or the challenges they face, has the right to access nature, and to feel this strong connection to the natural world. Inspiring and enabling healthcare professionals and others in the NHS to prescribe nature, is a key route for the RSPB to enable more people from more diverse communities to access the natural world. In so doing we hope that those who feel more connected to nature, will want to act to save it.

Working with healthcare professionals and local communities in Cardiff and surrounds, you will use co-design to create materials in different formats that will support those who need it most. This is a great opportunity to work with a brilliant team of friendly and enthusiastic colleagues across the UK who have successfully implemented this approach elsewhere.

We're looking for a someone who is:

• Passionate: About connecting people to nature to improve their health and wellbeing.
• Courageous: In sharing this passion to enthuse healthcare and other professionals.
• Inquisitive: A natural curiosity to explore and understand and meet people where they are.
• Bold: Willing to contribute innovative ideas, particularly when addressing health inequalities.
• Collaborative: Fosters a collaborative, enjoyable and solution focused way of working with partners.
• Comfortable Challenging the Status Quo: Nature Prescriptions offer a way of improving wellbeing outside of the typical medical model of healthcare.

Key tasks will include:

• Lead the development of and promote the delivery of three new RSPB Nature Prescriptions to people living in diverse communities within Cardiff and the surrounding area.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders in the NHS, health care and social care professionals to inspire and enable them to feel engaged and supported to co-create and prescribe a Nature Prescription, and to connect RSPB with the health sector to help create doors for future work.
• Engage with local healthcare professionals and community groups to co-design Nature Prescriptions materials with local people, community groups and healthcare professionals so that they reach a large diversity of people, and those that need and can benefit the most.
• Develop the project plan and ensure that the right governance structure for project management is in place and RSPB internal project management practices are followed, so that the project stays on track, comes in on budget and risks are identified, escalated, and managed within tolerances.
• Work with local environmental networks to build a picture of nature-based activities available and identify opportunities for partnership working.
• Lead on developing ways to evaluate and measure the impact of the project, including engaging with those prescribing and local communities to gather stories and case studies that demonstrate the benefits to wellbeing and connectedness to nature.
• Build internal relationships with RSPB employees and volunteers working with nature prescribing and nature and wellbeing across the UK.
• Develop a strategy and plan for Nature and Wellbeing work legacy aiming to learn from the work done in Scotland and England and from the communities and health care professionals in Cardiff and surrounds to support development of future work in Cardiff and beyond.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of working within or alongside the health and wellbeing sector.
• Project management experience with experience of leading on and developing and delivering projects with diverse communities.
• Experience of developing external partnerships and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in delivering workshops or training, ideally with a co-design element.
• Excellent verbal and written communicator able to communicate nature and wellbeing messages in a way that is understood by a range of audiences and that engenders their support.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage and deliver a varied workload.
• Skilled in using Microsoft 365 suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.

Desirable skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Experience of SharePoint management.
• Experience of recruiting and managing volunteers.
• Welsh speaker or learner.

Closing date: 23:59, Friday 17th May 2024
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 3 June 2024.

Interested?

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

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

No agencies please.

Are you passionate about ensuring everyone can engage effectively with the digital world? Are you a brilliant influencer who relishes harnessing great policy and research to realise social change? Do you want to work in a pioneering initiative with impact at its core?

Then this could be the role for you. At the Digital Poverty Alliance, we are looking for our new Policy & Insights Manager. You must be able to inspire us and our partners and spearhead our public affairs work, including through our National Delivery Plan to unite action to end digital poverty by 2030.

We bring together charities, corporates and government to address the underlying issues stopping families gaining full access to digital services such as education, healthcare and employment. We seek social change through our National Delivery Plan, whilst also delivering solutions in local areas that help real people and provide evidence for change. 

This is an exciting, high profile and fast-paced role, joining our small team and working alongside partners, National Delivery Committee members and our wider stakeholders to effect real change for people. You will report directly to the Chief Executive, working alongside our Head of External Affairs.

A big part of our social change ambition is delivered through our public affairs work; influencing policy makers so that our ambitions are shared with government, companies and with everyone able to deliver to our vision of a world where everyone is able to connect successfully with the digital world where and when they want to.  You will also be responsible for drafting white papers, analysing trends and data, and identifying new insights.  You will support our Industry Forum, working with existing and new members to broaden the group.

The DPA aims to work through partners in delivering to our core mission and, as such, we retain only a small core team with support from our PR agency. As such, you’ll lead on delivering our policy and public affairs work, from briefing MPs to developing our policy positions.

Whilst the role is remote based, you will regularly need to attend in-person meetings and events in central London (daytime and evening), as well as undertaking travel across the UK. Given the need to attend meetings in Westminster and Whitehall, you will need to live within commuting distance of London.

Key focus areas

• Building relationships with public, private and third sector organisations, including the wider DPA community.
• Working to convene and collaborate with organisations and individuals committed to ending digital poverty.
• Work with colleagues across local, regional and national governments and across political parties to advocate for policies to promote digital inclusion.
• Undertaking research and analysis to understand digital poverty and the impact of policies to address it.
• Managing policy and research projects including the ongoing development of the national delivery plan and supporting ‘proof of concept’ projects.
• Developing commercial and research partnerships with organisations and supporting the development of the industry forum.
• Communicating the DPA vision and perspective through verbal and written communication.

First interviews will be held w/b 6th May 2024 via Microsoft Teams.  Second interviews will be held soon after.  The role is to start as soon as possible.  Please note this role will be subject to a DBS check.

Unfortunately, due to the expected volume of applications and our small team, we will not be able to acknowledge every application.  If you have not heard from us by 6th May you have not been successful on this occasion.

Citizens Advice Wirral is a local charity that supports Wirral residents by providing advice, information, casework and social prescribing services. We assist clients with a range of issues including benefits, debt, employment, housing and life challenges that affect their health and wellbeing. Citizens Advice Wirral also actively works for change in the policies and practices of organisations that impact our clients - we are passionate about the difference our Research and Campaigns work can make to people’s lives.

Our values shape how we as an organisation operate and how we work with each other across all roles: Open and Honest, Professional, Empowering, Non-judgmental and Approachable. They apply to all areas of our advice-giving, our research and campaigns work and how we challenge discrimination and champion equality.

We are recruiting for a Help To Claim adviser to provide support to people making a new Universal Credit claim and work with them up until they receive their first correct payment. This role will involve working across a variety of channels including telephone, web-chat and video conferencing.

Working for Citizens Advice Wirral has a range of benefits including:

• A generous holiday allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days) plus bank
• holidays (pro-rata)
• Agile working, including up to 5 additional days of flexi leave each year
• (pro-rata) and both home and office-based days (role dependent)
• A contributory pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

To find out more and start your application please go to our website via the apply button.

Closing date: 5pm 28th April 2024

Since 1962 the National Autistic Society has been campaigning to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people. In National Programmes we champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policy and legislation to reflect their needs. We provide autism training and best practice services and want all autistic people to have access to services and support that fully meet their needs. We provide diagnostic services, training, accreditation, consultancy and conferences, designed to support all professionals and organisations. 

Who we are looking for:

Autism Know How helps transform lives and change attitudes by delivering autism best practice, knowledge and professional development products for professionals, autistic people and families. This role is key to the success of the department. The successful candidate will lead the commercial development function in Autism Know How in:

• Developing and delivering a strategy to increase the sales of our products and packages and expand our reach
• Enabling a framework and culture of continual quality improvement
• Creating a culture of team-work, structured innovation, commerciality and collaboration

This is a wonderful opportunity to join a passionate, dedicated team and play an instrumental part in further shaping this successful department.

The role is full-time permanent role working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, part time hours will be considered.

To view the job description please click here 

What we can offer you:

• Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits such as cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan & shopping discounts for places such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Nike, Apple and loads more!
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life Assurance at 2 x base salary
• A portfolio of fantastic new salary sacrifices benefits and other flexible benefits private health, dental insurance, car salary sacrifice scheme, activity pass, holiday trading, enhanced pension & salary deduct loans (eligibility criteria may apply)
• Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme & counselling programme
• Free access to the Headspace App – a global leader in mindfulness and you can enrol up to three friends or family members for free!
• Eligibility for a Blue Light Card

Where you will be working:

This role is home-based with some national travel. 

About our application process: 

When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role. 

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

For some roles, successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Job Title: Advocate

Service: Coram Voice Shropshire

Contract Type: Part Time – Permanent

Hours: 17.50 hours per week

Salary: £11,150.50 per annum (£22,301 FTE)

Location: Home Based with Travel Across Shropshire.

About Coram:

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people. We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime. 

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About Coram Voice:

Coram Voice exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold the system to account, to challenge and support it to do its job properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own lives.

Coram Voice strives for a society which recognises, and willingly accepts, its responsibilities to children and young people, where the inequalities and discrimination they currently face have been eradicated. Where those children and young people are fully engaged in all decisions that are made about their lives. Where the views, needs and feelings that they express are at the core of those decisions.

Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity established in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leading organisations for children and young people in the UK.

Coram Voice is a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.

Our Advocacy services we provide advocacy direct to children and young people in care, in need, in custody and to care leavers and children and young people with mental health needs. Advocates around the country support children and young people to get their voice heard in decisions about their lives. This may be through the telephone helpline or through an advocate working directly with a child, for instance, to support them at a review meeting or to help them make a complaint about their care. Coram Voice provides visiting advocacy services to most of the secure units nationally, to Secure Training Centres, Juvenile Young Offender Institutions, psychiatric hospitals, residential special schools and children’s homes.

About the Role

You will work directly with care experienced children and young people and those on Child Protection Plans providing them with advocacy support in the community and in a variety of settings. You will empower and support them to ensure their voices are heard within decision–making processes that effect their lives. You will be a capable ambassador for Coram Voice with the ability to engage effectively with professionals, carers, other stakeholders and most importantly children and young people.

If you have the necessary experience and skills and a commitment to promoting the rights of young people, we would like to hear from you.

What you will receive

We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of up to 25 days’ annual leave plus an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year. A supportive work environment fostering a good work/home life balance and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing.

You will get a genuine opportunity to make a difference every day.

Recruitment process

Shortlisting will be undertaken by our Children’s Rights Managers. Successful candidates will then be invited for interview. The interview process comprises of a written exercise and a panel interview. Successful candidates will have a further one to one interview in accordance within Warner recommendations. Internal candidates will need to notify HR of their interest in the post and they will provide further information on the internal application process.

Returning your application:

• We cannot accept general CVs.
• When completing your application form, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
• Applications must be fully completed.
• If you are a current Coram Voice employee you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.

Closing date: 14th May 2024 at 23.59pm

Interview date: w/c 20th May 2024

General consideration for applications:

• DBS checks: all posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.
• Training: All successful candidates are required to complete our compulsory training programme which includes training in Advocacy (Being a Voice) Safeguarding and Diversity
• Conflict of interest: the independence of the service is important to Coram Voice. Prospective applicants need to raise any other potential conflicts of interest when initially contacting Coram Voice about this post.

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.