Children and families jobs

We are a unique charity dedicated to supporting children born with severe immune deficiencies. You will play a key part in raising vital funds and awareness by strengthening how we communicate with patients and families, engaging the public, and expanding our digital presence. Working independently, you’ll shape engaging social media content, nurture supporter relationships, enhance our social media channels, and identify new opportunities to increase donations through both digital and in-person initiatives and help build a stronger, more visible Bubble Foundation.

Overview

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each person as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential. 

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Buckinghamshire Service for you to join a dynamic team committed to supporting children and young people who have been affected by someone else’s drug and/or alcohol use. The role of a Children and Family Worker will support children and young people under the age of 18 on a one-to-one basis in a confidential space. The role will deliver a wide range of interventions/ education though activities, such as games, arts and crafts and emotional wellbeing resources. The role will utilise a young person-centred approach, empowering them to explore situations which they feel they have little control over to support them to lead a safe, happy, and healthy life.

The role will work in partnership and liaise with other young people services throughout Buckinghamshire, to provide holistic support to young people accessing the service. We need to record information about what we do, so enjoying a bit of admin work and attention to detail is important, but most of the time you’ll be enjoying working with young people from all backgrounds, making a difference to their lives. You will be required to work flexibly across operational sites as required so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car. Don’t worry, there is a wide array of training and development opportunities to help support you in your work.

Where: This role will be based across Buckinghamshire County

When: We're looking for the right person to join our team ASAP on a permanent contract

Hours: 37.5 per week

Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.

Responsibilities

About the role: 

• To holistically support CYP affected by parental substance misuse, using a range of interventions including group work, 1:1 work, whole family interventions, safety planning and safeguarding working closely and proactively with the family unit to support positive and sustainable outcomes.
• Identify families in conjunction with other agencies, who will benefit from a Think Family / Whole family approach, negotiating participation and engagement with the programme of care.
• Identifying and responding effectively to potential safeguarding issues. 
• Reducing drug and alcohol related harm to young people and the wider community. 
• Working with young people to support positive, holistic outcomes in relation to their health and wellbeing, enabling them to lead safe, healthy, and purposeful lives: reducing risk and increasing resilience 
• Working flexibly across sites where required

About you: 

• Experience of working with young people and knowledge of the issues they face 
• Knowledge of safeguarding concerns in relation to children and young people and the Fraser Competence framework 
• Have an excellent understanding of drug and alcohol issues and experience of working within a related field 
• Knowledge of working with evidence-based practice around young people’s substance misuse treatment services and methods, including relevant best practice guidance 
• An accomplished communicator, both verbal and written with a high degree of personal IT competency 
• Be able to accurately update and maintain records and to work to deadlines for the submission of information, e.g., reports 
• Have excellent team working and interpersonal skills, maintaining a highly cooperative approach to supporting colleagues in delivering service objectives 

What we will give to you: 

• 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays. Additionally, you'll receive one extra day of annual leave for each year of service during your first five years, therefore you will enjoy 30 days of leave after five years with us.

• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 

• Contributory pension scheme 
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• A friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme.

Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details outlined in the job description. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role. 

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

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

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Interview Date

8/5/2026

Closing Date

30/4/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To develop and deliver family support and play sessions to children, young people and their mothers in refuge and the community. To lead on domestic violence awareness raising sessions with children/young people and professionals.

Experience Required -

Working within a children and family setting with women and children affected by domestic violence 

Assessing and working to meet children’s needs in a holistic way 

Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies 

Delivering play activities for children 

Delivering training and awareness sessions

Working within safeguarding guidelines and legislation to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website. 

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To develop and deliver family support and play sessions to children, young people and their mothers in refuge and the community. To lead on domestic violence awareness raising sessions with children/young people and professionals.

Experience Required- 

Working within a children and family setting with women and children affected by domestic violence 

Assessing and working to meet children’s needs in a holistic way 

Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies 

Delivering play activities for children 

Delivering training and awareness sessions

Working within safeguarding guidelines and legislation to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults 

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

Head of Safeguarding 

Circa £55,000 pa 

Location: UK – flexible 

Flexible working arrangements considered 

WE STAND FOR CHILDREN, THEIR CHILDHOODS AND THEIR FUTURES - WILL YOU? 

Around the world hundreds of thousands of children struggle to survive on the streets. In many countries, they have become an accepted issue in society, deprived of access to the most basic services and they experience extreme harm before and during their time on the streets. Wherever they may be in the world, they face violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. 

With projects currently in the UK, India and Tanzania we work to ensure every child can thrive away from a life on the streets.

Safeguarding is pivotal to all that we do.We are proud of our safeguarding culture and the highest standards of practice that we have developed across the Railway Children Group.We are looking for a leader who is as passionate about the safety and well-being of children as we are to help us to sustain, but also to grow and develop our safeguarding culture and practice to even higher standards.

The role 
In this role you will provide strategic leadership and governance of a transparent safeguarding culture across all the Railway Children Group’s operations and support services. Overseeing all areas of safeguarding across our work, you will support colleagues to fully embed effective and robust safeguarding practice and compliance into our work.

About you 
With your extensive experience of leading on and working with safeguarding and child protection systems and a proven track-record of implementing safeguarding strategy, policy and practice you will recognise that your values-led management style will lead to the embedding of a safeguarding culture across all our work. 

For further information about this post and working for Railway Children, including how to apply, please visit our website.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experience. 

Railway Children is committed to safeguarding anyone who comes into contact with us and implements a range of policies to ensure only those suitable to work with vulnerable groups are employed. 

Closing date: 27 April 2026. 

First interviews will take place on Thursday 7th May 2026, with second interviews scheduled for Thursday 14th May 2026. 

Ready for something new?

We are looking for people with great energy and motivation to join our Short Breaks service which offers a chance for young people with an additional need/ disability to have fun and a break from daily routines, and helps families to enjoy quality time, local activities, and connections with others.

2 x CYP Coordinator- Short Breaks- 30 hours- Ashford and Swale, Canterbury and Thanet

Our holiday and weekend activities give parents and carers a break while providing participants a safe, welcoming space to have fun and receive the care they need. Our coordinators plan, arrange and deliver a programme of activities shaped around the needs of the young people, making the most of local opportunities, from heritage sites and outdoor adventures, to sports, arts and crafts, cooking, and team challenges. These sessions help children build friendships, grow in confidence, and express themselves in a fun, supportive space.

1 x CYP Coordinator- Short Breaks Family Days- 30 hours- Kent wide

Family days bring families together to create special memories and enjoy time with others who share similar experiences. The coordinator develops and facilitates activity days which involve the whole family and provide opportunities to build friendships and connections with others. Activities take place at outdoor centres, local heritage sites and museums, as well as organised beach days and community centre-based workshops and activities.

Applicants should have relevant experience of working or volunteering with children and young people in education, health or social care, and have exceptional organisation and communication skills. 

The roles are 30 hours per week, working Wednesday to Saturday. In school holiday periods, more activities take place on weekdays (instead of Saturdays), so flexibility is needed.

It’s essential that applicants have their own car and are willing to drive a minibus (full training provided). 

Do a job that is amazing! 

We offer our employees:

· Inclusive values-based environment

· Competitive remuneration package

· Workplace pension scheme

· Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays

· Carers leave

· Opportunities for hybrid working

· Benenden Health Care

· Death in Service Benefit

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Employee Supported Volunteering scheme

· Development opportunities

· and more

Imago is committed to Safer Recruitment practices, and the post is subject to references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please either submit your CV with a short covering note or visit our website for full details.

Imago recognises that many people in our society experience discrimination or lack of opportunity for reasons that are not fair. We aim to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, and see these differences as an asset, as they improve our ability to meet the needs of the organisations and people we work with. We proactively seek to increase opportunities for inclusion and celebrate diversity across our organisation and within communities.

Imago recognises its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children, young people and adults at risk who access its services or with whom it comes into contact.

The Role

In September 2024, National Numeracy launched a new ‘Schools & Families Programme’ to support primary schools to increase pupils’ confidence with numbers, positive feelings about maths, and awareness of the value of maths outside the classroom. The programme also works to improve parents’, carers’ and school staff’s own confidence with numbers and supporting children with their maths. The programme has been hugely successful and is growing rapidly, supporting over 400 schools each year.

National Numeracy are now looking to expand this work into secondary schools across the UK.

The Schools & Families Officer will support the Schools & Families Programme Manager in managing fast-paced activity across the UK, including helping to deliver online training directly to school staff, recruiting schools, and visiting selected schools to ensure the success of the programme. The Schools & Families Officer will also support with the design and delivery of the new programme in secondary schools.

We are looking for someone who can support with this dynamic activity, is flexible, able to manage their time effectively, and willing to adapt to the changing needs of the charity. National Numeracy has an office in Falmer, near Brighton, in East Sussex, but the expectation for this role is that you will be primarily based at home, travelling occasionally as needed across the UK.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We recognise that there is more to do to improve diversity across our organisation and we are actively working to make meaningful, long‑term change. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and to removing barriers that may prevent people from different backgrounds from joining, progressing and thriving with us.

Through inclusive policies, flexible working, fair recruitment practices and ongoing learning, we aim to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and able to do their best work.

We actively encourage applications from people from under‑represented and diverse backgrounds, as we know a more diverse workforce will strengthen our organisation and help us deliver our mission more effectively.

Are you passionate about building meaningful relationships, using creativity to solve problems, and delivering engaging experiences for our supporters and volunteers?

Here at Rainbows Children’s Hospice, we provide specialist palliative care and end-of-life support to over 750 Babies, Children, and Young People living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as approximately 3,000 people, including families, siblings, and carers, across the East Midlands. Simply put, we’re here to brighten short lives and support families, wherever they are.

We are currently seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to join our dedicated Volunteering Team at Rainbows. Volunteers play a pivotal role in supporting every aspect of our vital work – from fundraising and events, to our retail shops and the hospice itself – with over 350 individuals generously volunteering their time, skills, and passion.

We are looking for a positive and enthusiastic individual who will help ensure volunteers feel welcomed, supported, and confident, enabling them to make a meaningful difference to children, young people and families across our services.

Location: Primarily an office-based role, at our hospice in Loughborough.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Some flexibility is required, as occasional evening and weekend working and regional travel will be part of supporting volunteers.

About the role

As a Volunteer Coordinator, you will play a key role in shaping how people volunteer with Rainbows. You’ll lead on volunteer recruitment across the East Midlands, building relationships with communities and organisations, and supporting individuals to find opportunities that match their motivations, skills and strengths. Once volunteers are involved, you’ll help ensure they feel confident, informed and well supported, working closely with colleagues to create positive volunteering experiences.

Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

· Recruitment, Selection, and Induction: Be the first point of contact for volunteering enquiries and applications, ensuring a seamless onboarding process.

· Volunteer Support and Supervision: Act as the central point of contact for volunteers at Rainbows, offering guidance and support throughout their volunteering journey.

· Team Collaboration: Provide staff with proactive support and best practices for volunteer management, engagement, and stewardship.

· Operational Duties: Maintain accurate volunteer records, ensuring GDPR compliance, and provide KPI data as needed.

· Further responsibilities in the role of a Volunteer Coordinator at Rainbows, can be found by downloading the Job Description.

Requirements

While previous experience working with volunteers is ideal, it is not essential. What matters most is your ability to:

• Build connections with a diverse range of people through exceptional interpersonal skills and empathy.
• Approach tasks with positivity and enthusiasm, inspiring others to get involved.
• Confidently use databases and Microsoft Office packages, with strong administrative skills and a good understanding of GDPR processes.

Further requirements can be found by downloading the Person Specification.

Our Benefits include:

· Free onsite parking at the Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough.

· Eligibility to join blue light card discount scheme and Company Shop.

· Simply Health Cashback plan.

· Life Assurance.

· 27 days holiday plus bank holidays.

· Contributory pension scheme or Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme

· Affordable meals at the Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough.

· Free Tea, Coffee and Fruit whilst at the Hospice

· Free access to Health Assured employee assistance programme

· Wellbeing support and access to Mental Health First Aiders

· Unofficial benefits: Fun events like Total Wipe Out, All staff away days, Guest visitors

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and barring Service Check) and pre-employment checks.

Community Partners Engagement Project Manager

Change4Life Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Centre  (W10)

22.2 hours per week (part-time)

Grade 3 (upper) point 24-28: £36,501 - £40,024 FTE per annum (inclusive of Inner London Weighting (£21,900.60 - £24,014.40 per annum, pro rata)

Permanent

Are you an experienced, highly motivated project manager with excellent community organisation engagement and communication skills? We are looking for an experienced Community Partners Engagement Project Manager with an impressive track record of co-ordinating and delivering high quality community organisation engagement work in partnership with statutory stakeholders. You will strive for excellent standards, robustly managing a quality, outcomes driven engagement project. By joining Change4Life you will ensure your project promotes key public health priorities including oral health, healthy eating, emotional wellbeing and physical activity to maximise promotion of consistent health messages and encourage children young people and their families to eat well, move more and feel good, embedded in a  holistic health promotion and community-based service.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

To provide leadership and day‑to‑day management for the Change4Life Neighbourhood Projects. These place‑based annual initiatives focus identifying and overcoming barriers to on promoting healthy eating and physical activity in four priority wards, selected based on National Child Measurement Programme data and levels of deprivation where children are most at risk of poor health outcomes.

As the Community Partners Engagement Project Manager, you will lead the design, delivery and evaluation of the Neighbourhood Projects, working closely with – and line‑managing – the Community Partners Engagement Coordinator. You will share strategic oversight with the Change4Life Programme Manager and Change4Life Service Manager and play a key role in shaping high‑quality, outcome‑focused interventions that deliver positive, measurable changes for children, young people and their families. This role directly contributes to Family Action’s strategic ambition to ensure the organisation is Stronger than Ever.

Central to your work will be mobilising and supporting local partners within each ward to co‑design and co‑deliver initiatives that address the real, locally identified barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. You will build on existing community strengths, ensuring that projects reflect local needs and amplify community voices.

You will work collaboratively with delivery partners, wider community organisations, and local councils, engaging relevant council teams when required. By developing strong, productive relationships, you will help create a local movement that brings together residents, services, and organisations to make it easier for children, young people and their families to eat well and stay active.

The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to national and local public health priorities.

Your skills   

You will bring your knowledge and experience of project management to co-ordinate and deliver co-produced neighbourhood project plans in partnership with key local stakeholders. The post requires an ability to co-ordinate and manage the Change4Life neighbourhood projects in close partnership with Public Health and Local Authority partners. The ability to think outside of the box, work in a creative and dynamic environment, excellent partnership skills with statutory and voluntary organisations are key. Strong staff management skills, excellent report writing and data analysis skills are required for this role and a thorough understanding of quality assurance and safeguarding frameworks and practice.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQIA+ candidates and candidates with disabilities because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants and will reimburse your travel cost if you attend an interview.

What will we offer you?

We’ll offer you a generous pension scheme and leave entitlements, eye care vouchers, a cycle to work scheme and other great benefits. All roles in Family Action are open to a discussion about possible flexible working options, subject to business needs, and all new starters will have the right to make a flexible working request from day one of employment. We have an excellent wellbeing offer and we will invest in your professional development with on-going quality training and career development opportunities. You’ll join an established, supportive and high-performing service and have the opportunity to thrive in an innovative organisation that values your opinion, encourages learning and has the needs of children and families at its core.

For an application pack and further information please visit the intranet internal vacancies section.

Please email completed expressions of interest to:

Closing date: Monday 27th April at 23:59

Interview: Week commencing 4th May  

Appointments are subject to Family Action receiving a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

ID: 1762

Job Title - Senior Trusts and Statutory Executive

Contract - Permanent

Hours -  35 hours per week

Salary - £36,000 FTE per annum

Location - London / hybrid

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.

Coram is a complex organisation and the role one where you will be working across multiple charities at once and balancing daily statutory responsibilities with a broad trust portfolio. So the role would appeal to someone who thrives on managing competing priorities and a varied workload.

About the role

This role sits in the very experienced Trusts and Statutory team, composed of six people. We raise over £2M per annum of trusts income and £4M in statutory tenders. We're part of the wider Fundraising team which raises a further £2M plus from corporates, major donors, individuals and events.

We're looking for someone with persuasive writing and communications skills, good numeracy and systematic attention to detail, who wants to develop their career in this area. While we very much welcome applications from those with experience of trust and statutory fundraising, we are open to excellent applications from those with transferable skills and equivalent experience who want to flourish and learn quickly. This could be from other fundraising disciplines, other charity sector professional roles, business & management, marketing and communications, teaching, research, and so on.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing Date: 6 May 2026

Interview Date: 12 May 2026

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 global majority 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.

Barnardo's is seeking an empathetic and child led individual who can work within a dynamic and fast-paced environment using their strong organisational, communication and time management skills to support children in the secure estate.

This part-time position (Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is based within HMYOI Parc, which accommodates children aged between 15-18 years, who are in custody, either sentenced or on remand.  Barnardo's refers to Young Offender Institutions (YOI) and Secure Training Centres (STC) as the ‘Secure Estate'.

Barnardo's is commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to provide an Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy (ICRAS) Service to children accommodated in a secure setting. The service is known to children as Barnardo's: Your Rights, Your Voice, and currently works within  four Young Offender Institutes and  one Secure Training Centre. The ICRAS service is child led and independent of the secure estate; our service is delivered within HMYOI Parc to ensure children can freely access support for a range of issues linked to their needs, rights & experiences of custody, resettlement, and safeguarding.  As such this is a child-facing service, and at times involves lone working in the establishments, so we are seeking someone who can see the child, not the offence.

We hold ‘voice' at the heart of all we do, therefore we feel the role is best described by someone who is currently working in this sector: “The role is an Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy role, which means it is our job to empower the children we work with and help them to understand that what they think, what they feel and what they want, really matters. We can speak on behalf of children to ensure their voice is heard and we also have the opportunity to help them to find the tools and confidence to raise their voices for themselves.  Advocacy and Children's Rights support is particularly crucial in the secure estate because children are away from home, family and natural advocates, and also because children in secure estate are some of the most vulnerable children in society; they have often faced considerable adversity, disadvantage and discrimination prior to arriving into custody and they might not, therefore, be equipped with the skills needed to articulate their concerns. Through the work you do with a child such as  simply helping them make contact with friends or family on the outside, to helping them with concerns they may have in relation todiscrimination, resettlement or safeguarding issues, you  may be the one person telling them that  they matter for the very first time.”

The position (Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is line managed by a Team Manager, reporting to an off-site manager. The post holder will need to be able to work autonomously, working to the requirements of the contract and the regime of the YOI. The secure estate is a highly structured environment; as a Barnardo's service we deliver independent advocacy and support for a range of issues, whilst still having to follow and adhere to this structure.

This role includes lone working in this challenging secure environment. It is, therefore, critical that the successful candidate can follow guidance and policy and is able to take proactive and individual responsibility to understand and access the service support mechanisms.  This role requires the worker to be onsite for their contracted hours, working remotely only for occasional training or meetings. The advocacy team work on a rota system with set hours each week, which includes weekends and bank holidays. Applicants should also be aware, that due to the nature of working within secure estate, the vetting and induction process can take several months to complete.

When completing your application please refer to your skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the Additional Information, Person Specification and Job Description document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described, including advocacy and safeguarding.  

This is a part-time vacancy with 18.5 hours available per week.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Barnardo's is seeking an empathetic and child led individual who can work within a dynamic and fast-paced environment using their strong organisation, communication and time management skills to support children in the secure estate.

This position (Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is based within Wetherby YOI, York Road, Wetherby LS22 5ED, which accommodates children aged between 15-18 years, who are in custody either sentenced or on remand. Barnardo's refers to Young Offender Institutions (YOI's) and Secure Training Centres (STC's) as the Secure Estate (please note, the location of some secure establishments may mean they are not easily accessed by public transport).

Barnardo's is commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to provide an Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy (ICRAS) Service to children accommodated in a secure setting. The service is known to children as Barnardo's: Your Rights, Your Voice, and currently works within five Young Offender Institutes, and one Secure Training Centre. The ICRAS service is child led and independent of the secure estate; our service is delivered within Feltham YOI to ensure children can freely access support for a range of issues linked to their needs, rights & experiences of custody, resettlement, and safeguarding.  As such this is a child-facing service, and at times involves lone working in the establishments, so we are seeking someone who can see the child, not the offence.

We hold ‘voice' at the heart of all we do, therefore we feel the role is best described by someone who is currently working in this service: “The role is a Children's Rights and Advocacy role, which means it is our job to empower the children we work with and help them to understand that what they think, what they feel and what they want really matters. We can speak on behalf of children to ensure their voice is heard and we also have the opportunity to help them to find the tools and confidence to raise their voices for themselves.  Advocacy and Children's Rights support is particularly crucial in the secure estate because children are away from home, family and champions, and also because children in secure estate are some of the most vulnerable children in society; they have often faced considerable adversity, disadvantage and discrimination prior to arriving into custody and they might not therefore be equipped with the skills needed to articulate their concerns. Through the work you do with a child from simply helping them make contact with friends or family on the outside, to helping them with concerns they may have for example; discrimination, resettlement or safeguarding. You may be the one person telling them they matter for the very first time.”

The position (Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is line managed by a Team Manager, reporting to an off-site senior manager. The post holder will need to be able to work autonomously, working to the requirements of the contract and the regime of the YOI. The secure estate is a highly structured environment; as a Barnardo's service we deliver independent advocacy and support for a range of issues, whilst still having to follow and adhere to this structure.

This role includes lone working in this challenging prison environment. It is therefore critical that the successful candidate in this respect is able to follow guidance and policy and is able to take a proactive and individual responsibility to understand and access the support mechanisms in place and encouraged by the service as required. 

When completing your application please refer to your skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the Additional Information, Person Specification and Job Description document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described, including advocacy and safeguarding.  

This is an 'As and When' post, therefore hours will depend on service need and may differ week to week. We are seeking to recruit weekend working hours. 

There will be two stages of the interview process. 

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible

Our Purpose

Unlocking Potential is the charity that supports schools and communities to ensure no child or family struggles alone with their social, emotional and mental health needs. We provide flexible, over-time, multi-disciplinary therapeutic support that meets children and families where they are, and enables them to feel safe, understood and the best version of themselves.

Vision

Everyone feels supported, equipped and able to achieve their potential.

Mission

Our mission is to provide tailored therapeutic support to more children, while training the practitioners of the future to build holistic, resilient social systems that equip children and their families with the confidence, tools, and skills to thrive at school and within their communities.

Values

Individual: Everything we do is about the individual and what is right for them – no two children, families or schools are the same.

Innovative: We look for new solutions, evolving our thinking and approach – ensuring the use of bold, co-designed practice.

Collaborative: We choose to work with others to find the best solutions – we are stronger together.

Overview

We launched our new programme in September 2025, initially as a pilot working with families across Wandsworth, with aims to be able to expand and continue beyond this. This service will offer flexible, relationship-based support to families facing a range of challenges, helping them navigate systems, strengthen protective factors, and improve outcomes for children. Operating across extended hours, the service will be accessible and responsive, with a strong focus on early intervention, collaboration, and building trust with families.

The role

This is a unique opportunity to take on a senior, hands-on role within an innovative early help service working within a small, dynamic team to make a tangible difference to the lives of children and their families. As a Senior Family Support Worker, you will deliver flexible,and therapeutically minded support to families often facing multiple and complex challenges, drawing on your experience to provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced colleagues. You will build trusted relationships through home visits, school meetings, and provide practical support—facilitating parents and carers to feel empowered to strengthen routines, manage behaviour, improve attendance, and access services. Your work will be informed by detailed needs assessments and focused on achieving meaningful outcomes with each family.

About MediCinema

MediCinema is a unique national, UK registered charity that improves the wellbeing and enriches the quality of life of NHS patients, their families and carers through the power of the shared cinema experience and the magic of film. We achieve this by building and running cinemas in hospitals and places of care equipped with space for beds, wheelchairs and medical equipment, and providing free films and activities for patients of all ages. Our services help to improve emotional, mental and physical health, reducing isolation, anxiety and stress, and increasing patient resilience to help them cope with what they’re going through.

Our purpose-built in-hospital cinemas are designed to accommodate patients in hospital beds and wheelchairs, on drips or with monitors. Patients are looked after by trained volunteers who accompany them to and from the cinemas, and by two nurses who are present at each inpatient screening. In addition to our regular inpatient screenings, we run Tailored Screenings for specific patient communities, working closely with the patients and clinical teams to co-design experiences that meet the specific needs of each group. We also routinely hold personal screenings for patients who are unable to mix with other patients, are receiving palliative care or are in other sensitive situations. We also run our varied Beyond the Big Screen programme that extends the impact of our services to outside the film screenings, including specially-designed MediCinema activity books, arts & crafts and special character or talent visits. Finally, through our long-standing strategic partnership with Disney, we also design and provide activities on wards and in the MediCinemas as part of our expansive and impactful ‘Moments that Matter’ (MTM) programme.

The Role

We are looking for a Deputy Cinema Manager to join the team at our established MediCinema based in Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle, serving adult patients from the RVI and paediatric patients in the Great North Children’s Hospital.

The post-holder will work with the Cinema Manager and the team of nurses and volunteers who support our MediCinema, and will work closely with them, the hospital, and with central office operations team to prepare for and run successful film screenings each week.

We run 4 regular inpatient screenings each week which includes evenings and weekends. The post holder will be required to work on a shift pattern to include weekends and evenings each week. There will also be a programme of additional Tailored and Personal screenings on top of these regular inpatient screenings.

The role offers a unique, exciting and extremely rewarding opportunity for someone interested in a service delivery role at the heart of our charity, involving direct contact with the patients and families we support.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Support the Cinema Manager in delivering a programme of screenings each week as agreed according to the operating procedures of a MediCinema, including running and managing screenings on your own. Most screenings are held in the evenings and at weekends, so the role requires regular evening and Saturday working.
• On screening days be responsible for:
  • Marketing the service through the hospital’s wards, organising collecting and returning patients, and for safety and care in the cinema itself.
  • Taking responsibility for health and safety of patients coming to the cinema, and the safety and appearance of the cinema space itself.
  • Preparing and operating the digital projection equipment for the screening, ensuring that films are always screened to the highest technical standards. Training and ongoing technical support will be provided for this.
  • Ensuring that all operational, welfare and safeguarding policies set out by MediCinema are followed accordingly and that, where appropriate, consent forms are obtained for photographic or filmed records.
  • Ensuring that all aspects of the operation comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and that areas where MediCinema might be in breach of such are dealt with immediately or brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities for rectification.
  • Keeping accurate monitoring and operational records, including contacts and database updating as required
• Help the Cinema Manager collate, analyse and report back on agreed metrics and KPI’s
• Assist with arranging and running any special events and special screenings
• When required, arrange and run additional personal screenings for patients unable to attend regular screenings, plus special tailored screenings with hospital departments and patient groups.
• Support the development and roll out of any new type of screenings we embark on.
• Support the delivery of our ‘Beyond the Big Screen' bedside services, including our Disney ‘Moments that Matter’ work.

Nurse & Volunteer Management

• Help the Cinema Manager build, manage and support the team of nurses and volunteers to assist in the duties outlined above and to ensure that screenings run safely and smoothly – this will include assisting with recruitment and creating monthly rotas.

Marketing and Relationship Management

• Be proactive in marketing the service within the hospital, building key relationships with hospital staff.
• Help develop and manage effective partnerships throughout the hospital and community
• Representing the organisation effectively and compellingly at all times.
• Support the programming and development of the MediCinema as a centre for entertainment, being pro-active in developing a creative programme of sustainable events at each site. This could include fundraising events, live performance and other relevant activities.

Administration and other duties

• Deputise for the Cinema Manager as and when required.
• Provide holiday or emergency screening cover when required.
• Help manage the collection, loading and returning of films.
• Champion the work of MediCinema within the hospital and cinema environment, as well as confidently and positively representing MediCinema in all interactions and at any meetings and events.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the Newcastle MediCinema, operations and MediCinema as a wider organisation
• Communicate effectively with all team members, ensuring an inclusive and whole organisation approach

• Undertake other tasks, projects and duties as reasonably required.

MediCinema is a small team and staff members are expected to support each other and share cross-organisational work in addition to fulfilling individual responsibilities.

The Person

We are looking for a high energy, enthusiastic, self-motivated individual who is passionate about helping people and delivering impactful and effective services. They should be a warm, welcoming and positive person who can demonstrate the following skills and qualities: 

• Strong organisational skills with a good attention to detail.
• A proactive, resourceful, problem-solving approach.
• An ability to work both on their own and as part of a team.
• Experience in using IT and an ability to quickly learn and understand new systems and technology. Please note full training on ingesting films and running the projection equipment will be provided so direct projection experience, while beneficial, is not required.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to caringly and openly relate to and build relationships with a wide variety of people, from children, family members, volunteers and hospital staff.
• Flexibility and adaptability, and enjoyment of a working environment where no two days are the same.
• Demonstrate tact and sensitivity when dealing with people with a variety of needs and be aware of issues relating to confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Interest and evidence of prior experience in healthcare, wellbeing and/or film & cinema.
• A sense of humour and congenial demeanour to help patients and families feel at ease and enjoy their MediCinema experience.

Please note the role will require an Enhanced Disclosure check, which we will arrange.

If you have a passion for health, wellbeing, film and the arts, and are a driven, highly-organised, compassionate and enthusiastic individual, we would love to hear from you.

Your application should contain your CV and a covering letter telling us what appeals to you about this role and what makes you a strong candidate (no longer than one side of A4)

Please note applications will be anonymised.

Closing date for applications: Midday, Monday 27th April 2026

We are an equal opportunities employer and an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process please let us know.