Entry level jobs

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working onsite Monday – Friday 9am-5pm.

As a Painter and Decorator, you will be based in either Eastbourne or Hastings, East Sussex, and will be required to travel and work across any of our YMCA DLG sites, with demand varying throughout the year. A full UK driving licence is therefore essential, and a vehicle will be provided.

YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice.

We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen.

We are here for children and young people, many of whom face multiple challenges and need our support.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.

The focus in our housing services is to help develop the young people’s skills and confidence so that they can move on from supported accommodation and live independently.

Do you take pride in creating safe, welcoming homes that make a real difference in young people’s lives?

Our Maintenance team works across multiple properties to give our residents a good quality, safe home, working closely with project staff to identify repairs required, make repairs, undertake ad hoc cleaning and decoration, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and to make empty homes ready for re-occupation.

We have sites across East Sussex, centred around our Foyers in Eastbourne and Hastings. These services provide 24-hour supported housing for young people aged 16–25, offering low to medium levels of housing-related support. There are homes throughout East Sussex for young people we continue to support into independence via our Transitional Housing teams, these are typically larger shared houses of four to eight residents sharing some communal facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens. In total there are approximately 180 residents in East Sussex that the maintenance team oversee.

A key part of the role involves redecorating empty homes to prepare them for new residents. This work must be completed promptly, to an agreed and consistent standard, and with clear communication to site and maintenance teams to ensure properties can be relet within void target times.

You will also carry out planned redecoration within communal areas of our accommodation, as well as offices and workspaces used by our staff and volunteers.

If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We know that skills and potential come in many forms, and your background may offer valuable transferable strengths.

Experience and Knowledge

We are looking for someone who brings:

• NVQ 2 or equivalent in painting and decorating, or equivalent work experience
• Practical experience in maintenance, cleaning, or decorating within supported housing, residential, or community‑based settings.
• A proven track record of delivering high‑quality work, with at least two years’ experience undertaking duties similar to those required in this role.
• A strong commitment to safety, quality, and resident wellbeing, ensuring all work is completed to a consistent and professional standard.
• Good knowledge of health and safety requirements relevant to painting, decorating, and maintenance work, including safe working practices and compliance procedures.
• An understanding of professional boundaries, alongside awareness of the challenges faced by vulnerable young people and how these may influence behaviour.
• A proactive and organised approach to managing workload, with the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Strong team‑working skills, with the confidence to both support and appropriately challenge colleagues where needed.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 31 August 2026 at midnight. If we find the right candidate sooner than expected, we may close the advert early - so early applications are strongly encouraged.

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity checks.

Up to 37.5 hours per week ¦ Full and part-time opportunities

Do you want to make a real difference every day?

Are you an experienced Support Worker or care professional ready to take the next step in your career?

At Stockdales, you'll support people with learning and physical disabilities, including people with complex health needs, to live full, active and meaningful lives.

We're a charity with over 70 years' experience, and we're proud to create an environment where the people we support can enjoy life, try new things and be as independent as possible.

And that means your days are anything but ordinary.

You could be supporting someone with their personal care in the morning, heading out into the community in the afternoon, and helping them enjoy an activity, day trip or new experience later that day.

Our activities include swimming, trips to the seaside, museums, sensory walks, activity breaks and holidays in the UK and abroad.

What you'll be doing

As a Care Practitioner, you'll:

• Provide dignified, person-centred personal care and support in line with individual support plans.
• Support individuals with health care needs and complete health care procedures following appropriate training and guidance.
• Promote independence, self-help skills, community involvement and positive outcomes.
• Recognise and appropriately respond to distressed behaviour, safeguarding concerns and changes in health or wellbeing.
• Support colleagues, including staff who are new to the role or completing their probation.
• Take on Shift Leader responsibilities when required, including delegating duties, supporting medication and stores processes, liaising with families and professionals, and escalating concerns appropriately.

You'll be supported throughout your development, with comprehensive induction, refresher training and opportunities to complete relevant professional qualifications such as an RQF/NVQ Level 2 or 3.

About you

You'll ideally have at least one year's experience in care and be ready to take on more responsibility and lead shifts.

Most importantly, you'll be caring, reliable and passionate about supporting people to live the lives they choose.

You'll also need to:

• Be flexible to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
• Be comfortable working as part of a team and taking responsibility when required.
• Have basic IT skills, including Microsoft Word and email.
• Have good English reading and writing skills and basic numeracy.
• Be physically able to carry out the role, including using hoists and pushing wheelchairs.

The role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check, references and successful completion of a 6-month probationary period, as well as all required training.

What we offer

We want our staff to feel valued, supported and able to develop their careers with us. In return, you'll receive:

• A competitive salary
• Enhanced pay for bank holidays and on call
• Excellent internal and external training offered
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
• Mileage paid for travel during work hours
• 28 days holiday per year pro rata inclusive of bank holidays
• Increased holiday entitlement with service
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to Wage Stream
• Medicash – includes access to 24hr GP, money off shopping and going out, wellbeing aids
• Life Insurance Scheme
• Monthly staff prize draw

Why Stockdales?

Because this is more than a care job.

You'll build relationships, develop your skills and help people do things that matter to them. Whether that's supporting someone to become more independent, enjoying a day out, trying a new activity or simply having a really good day - you'll know you've made a difference.

If you're ready to take the next step in your care career, we'd love to hear from you.

Young Carers Sessional Worker  

Do you enjoy working with young people? Are you interested in supporting Young Carers by delivering engaging activities that promote wellbeing, reduce isolation and give them a break from their caring responsibilities? 

Then this job is for you! 

Job Title: Young Carers Sessional Worker 
Location: London, Wandsworth – Wandsworth Carers’ Centre (office-based and community/outreach) 
Contract Type: Sessional / Zero Hours Contract 
Salary: £15 per hour 
DBS Check: Enhanced required 

We are seeking a flexible, reliable, and enthusiastic Sessional Worker to join our Young Carers team. The primary focus of this role is to provide consistent support at our weekly Young Carers After School Club, which takes place every Thursday during term time from 4:30pm – 6:00pm. The club is delivered across two age groups (5–11 and 12–16 years), and regular attendance and commitment to supporting both groups each week is an essential requirement of the role. 

You will work alongside the Young Carers team to deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote wellbeing, reduce isolation, and provide children and young people with a fun, safe, and supportive break from their caring responsibilities. You will encourage participation, build positive relationships, support behaviour where required, and help ensure every young person feels welcomed, included, and valued. 

You will also play an active role in planning and preparing for the After School Club as well as assisting with the set-up before each club and the clear-up afterwards to ensure the space is safe, organised and welcoming. 

In addition to the weekly After School Club, you will support the delivery of our school holiday programme, including trips, workshops, activity days, and special events, subject to your availability. This will include contacting families, promoting upcoming activities, recruiting and booking young carers onto both the After School Club and holiday activities, supporting attendance, and helping to ensure activities are well attended by those who would benefit most. 

From time to time, you may also support outreach and engagement activities, including attending community events, working with local schools and partner organisations, and helping to identify hidden Young Carers so they can access the support and opportunities available through our service.

  This is a sessional role, therefore hours are not guaranteed but will be offered based on project need.

Key Requirements Include: 

• Experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable groups 

• Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with young people and their families 

• Reliable, punctual, and flexible 

• A strong understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality 

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive practice 

About Wandsworth Carers’ Centre: 

We are a busy, ambitious charity operating at the heart of the Wandsworth community since 1995, helping thousands of people across the borough in unpaid Caring roles. We give information and advice, organise respite, offer complementary therapies, deliver training, provide peer support, arrange fun events and much more.  In short, we are the Carer's friend and advocate, often helping Carers through difficult times. 

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre is an inclusive employer. We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do.

Benefits of working for Wandsworth Carers’ Centre: 

Friendly team and working environment, contributory company pension, ongoing training and development opportunities and an employee assistance program. 

Closing date: 31st August 2026

Please note we will be interviewing candidates as suitable applications come in and therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy before the stated closing date. We encourage applications as soon as possible. 

Make a difference every day with PDSA

About Us

Join us to help keep even more people and pets together when times are tough. For over a century, PDSA has provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people experiencing financial hardship.

We're now on a journey to expand our reach and support even more people and their beloved pets. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need passionate and driven individuals who are ready to embrace change and help shape the future of PDSA.

Together, we'll build a stronger organisation and ensure our services continue to support those who need us most for the next hundred years.

If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of a team creating positive change, we'd love to hear from you.

About the role

We're looking for an Inbound Customer Service Advisor to join our friendly and supportive National Customer Service Centre (NCSC) in Sunderland.

You'll be based just 600 metres from our PDSA Pet Hospital, working as part of a welcoming team of around 60 colleagues who are passionate about delivering exceptional service to our clients, supporters, volunteers and retail customers.

Our National Customer Service Centre has grown significantly over the last decade and now supports thousands of people every year through a wide variety of enquiries. It's a fast-paced, rewarding environment where every conversation helps make a difference.

As an Inbound Customer Service Advisor, you'll be the first point of contact for many of the people who rely on PDSA. You'll provide a warm, professional and efficient service, ensuring every interaction reflects our values and supports our mission of keeping people and pets together when times are tough.

What you'll be doing

• Handling a variety of inbound telephone calls and emails, providing accurate, friendly and helpful support.
• Managing first-line customer complaints professionally and empathetically, aiming to achieve a positive first-time resolution.
• Promoting PDSA products and services where appropriate by identifying customer needs and recommending suitable solutions.
• Accurately recording customer information and processing payments and refunds.
• Working towards individual and team performance targets, including KPIs and service levels, while maintaining excellent quality standards.
• Keeping your knowledge up to date with PDSA services, policies, campaigns and fundraising initiatives.

About you

You'll enjoy helping people and be passionate about delivering outstanding customer service.

We're looking for someone who is calm under pressure, enjoys speaking with a wide range of people and takes pride in resolving enquiries efficiently and compassionately.

You'll have:

• Excellent communication and listening skills, with confidence speaking on the telephone.
• Experience working within a customer service or contact centre environment.
• Strong computer skills with excellent attention to detail when recording customer information.
• A positive, proactive approach and a genuine desire to provide exceptional customer service.
• The ability to show empathy and professionalism, particularly when dealing with sensitive or challenging conversations.

It would also be beneficial if you have experience of:

• Handling written customer enquiries via email.
• Cross-selling, upselling or generating leads within a customer service environment.

Recruitment Process

As part of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in person assessment centre at our National Customer Service Centre in Sunderland, which is planned for the beginning/mid September 2026.

Rewards,supportand benefits 

We’rereally passionateabout beinga great placeto work,somewhere people feel proud of what they do, connected to a meaningful purpose, and able to make a genuine difference every day. Our teams are collaborative and supportive, and we encourage everyone to bring their ideas,individualityand passion for pets to work with them. 

As well as a rewarding role and a positive, people-focused culture, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including: 

• Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances. 

• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays 

• Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, CelebrationDayand Wellbeing Day annually. 

• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%. 

• Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind. 

• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 wellbeing support 

• Retail,holidayand lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform. 

• Enhanced maternity,paternityand adoption leave to support you and your family. 

• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services. 

PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which all individualsare able tomake best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members fromdifferent backgrounds. 

If you have any questions or concernsregardingaccessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you mayrequirethroughout the recruitment process. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect. 

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references andappropriate backgroundchecks. 

Job Title:Programme Assistant

Reporting to: Senior Programme Lead

Location: North West

Salary: £23,514

Contract: Permanent, term-time only, full-time

Annual Leave: 50 days paid holiday each year which must be taken during school holiday

Power2 is a fast growing and energetic children and young people's charity that has supported 30,000 young people since 2001. We are based in the North West of England and London and deliver early-intervention asset-based programmes to children and young people who have mental wellbeing challenges and are disengaged from school and more widely. We are well-known for our accredited Teens and Toddlers programme and are supporting young people via Power2 Rediscover, an intensive 1:1 crisis response programme.

With our support, children and young people who are experiencing vulnerabilities and disadvantages improve their wellbeing, re-engage with school and learning, build networks and access opportunities.

We’re committed to equality and operate within a culture and structure that recognises diversity and strives to be fair. We live by our values of Brave, Expert and Passionate and we aim to have an entrepreneurial and flexible approach to work.

We are looking for Programme Assistants to support the management, set-up and smooth running of Power2 activities, including our Teens and Toddlers group programme.

Our new Programme Assistants will work as part of our team of Programme Leads and Programme Assistants working in school settings to support young people, their families, and school staff to ensure that at-risk pupils improve their wellbeing, make the most of their education, and improve their life chances. The successful candidates could be based in one school or travel between multiple schools.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check (child workforce) and provide details of two referees.

Candidates are encouraged to apply even if your experience doesn’t precisely match the job description for this role. Your experience, skills and passion will set you apart so tell us your achievements, irrespective of whether they are personal or work-related and how this has shaped you, including things you’ve learnt along the way.

We are specifically interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of the issues we seek to address (childhood experience of having low family income, being disengaged with school and learning, experiencing poor wellbeing/mental health, being care-experienced, involved in gangs and violence). It is also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.

Please apply online with a CV and a personal statement. In your personal statement please describe how your skills and experience match the role description and provide your notice period. Your CV and personal statement are submitted on the second page of the application process. Applications without a personal statement will not be considered.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Power2 strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can ALL be ourselves. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We work to ensure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. If we can make the application process more accessible to you, please let us know.

Safeguarding

Power2 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be required to have an enhanced DBS certificate (child workforce) in place. We may undertake an online search if you are shortlisted.

Specialist Teaching Assistant – Autism / SEND

We are Ambitious about Autism, a national charity with a clear goal: to create a world where autistic children and young people are heard, included and supported.

We are looking for patient, empathetic and resilient STAs to join our Ofsted “Outstanding” TreeHouse School in Muswell Hill.

• Full time, permanent (term time only)
• Hours: 8.45am – 4.35pm
• Salary: £27,770 to £28,005 per annum
• Location: Muswell Hill, North London (N10 3JA)
• Start date: October 2026 (can be flexible depending on notice periods)

The role:

This is a role where no two days are ever the same! Some days can be very challenging, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. As a LSA, you will be working on a 1:1 basis with our autistic pupils and assisting them with:

• Responding to behaviours of distress with patient and supportive care
• Supporting pupils with personal care
• Access learning
• Developing  communication, confidence and independence
• Celebrate progress - however big or small
• Take part in community based activities like swimming, skiing and horse riding
• Helping our pupils feel safe, understood and proud of themselves

Why join us:

• This is a term time only role (yet you are paid across 52 weeks!)
• You will be placed on a training programme when you join the role with continued CPD
• Be part of a warm, supportive and collaborative team
• Progression opportunities to grow your career in SEND
• Be part of a national charity with a clear mission and shared values
• Varied, meaningful work with real impact
• Access to staff discount schemes, including Blue Light Card eligibility
• Full benefits package on our website

The official internal title for this role is Specialist Teaching Assistant, but it is advertised externally as SEN Teaching Assistant to reflect the nature of the role and maximise reach.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post are as per the job description and person specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance

The successful candidate will help to build an engaged community of members and supporters who love and share in our work. Alongside proven relationship-building skills, they will be a highly organised and professional team-player with strong attention to detail and a desire to develop a thorough understanding of fundraising.

The role-holder will take responsibility for the management of AAM’s Friends membership scheme. Working closely with the Head of Development, they will oversee the delivery of stewardship and cultivation events for members, donors and prospects.

Academy of Ancient Music is an orchestra with a worldwide reputation for excellence in baroque and classical music, bringing music vividly to life in committed, vibrant performances.

Closing date: 31 August 2026 at 5.30pm

Please view the Job Pack for full application details.

Part-time Operations Coordinator 

Job Description and Person Specification 

Summary 

Role: Part-time Operations Coordinator (freelance – 22.5 hours per week/approximately 3 days per week) 

Contract period: 12 months (with the possibility of extension) 

Location: Home-based and Oxfordshire 

Pay: £27,850 per annum pro rata

Reports to: CEO 

Background 

Sundial Centre for Education on Harmful Practices (“Sundial” previously called Oxford Against Cutting) delivers high quality education and training on harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation (FGM), ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and online harms. We offer safeguarding training for teams of professionals such as teachers, police and social workers. We also deliver lessons in schools, as well as workshops for community groups. We ensure people from FGM- and HBA- affected communities and young people are at the forefront of our work and our workshops are often delivered with facilitators with lived experience. 

We are currently seeking an Operations Coordinator to provide professional and efficient and specialist administrative support.

Job description 

• To contact with schools and relevant institutions to promote Sundial’s training and workshops 

• To liaise with schools/organisations and facilitators to coordinate bookings of Sundial’s training and workshops, including logistics and timetables

• To organise team meetings

• To draft invoices and maintain records 

• To assist with keeping contact databases and records up to date 

• To draft, type and dispatch charity office correspondence 

• Maintain the bookings calendar

• Maintain DBS, safeguarding and training records

• To assist in scheduling social media posts

• To support the CEO and Research & Operations Manager where appropriate 

• To attend regular meetings as required 

Personal specification 

•  Self-starting, hardworking and committed to tackling harmful practices

•  Methodical, detail-oriented, with genuine passion for administration work

• Excellent writing skills and good telephone manner 

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Time management and organisational skills to be able to deal with multiple tasks and a range of priorities 

• IT skills – competent in Microsoft Office applications of Word, Powerpoint and Excel and able to use Mailchimp, Canva and Word Press

• Previous experience dealing with finance processes (desirable)

• Previous experience working in the charity sector (desirable) 

How to apply: 

Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in the issues that the charity addresses and your relevant experience. Please also ensure your CV includes details of two referees. We will not contact your referees prior to interview. 

We strongly encourage applications from people from minoritised communities and people from FGM- and HBA-affected communities. 

Applicants called to interview will be invited to complete a written task.

The appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check and references. 

Please submit your application by midday, Friday 11th September.

Interviews will take place on 24th & 25th September.