Lead policy officer jobs

You will play a key role in leading the day–to–day delivery of the service, providing effective management and leadership to a team of Early Help support workers and Early Help Development Workers. As the Service Manager, you will be required to work in partnership with the Operational Manager to support the strategic development of the integrated service offer for children and families living in the West of Birmingham. You will be required to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders and actively engage in local and district meetings and with Birmingham Childrens Trust. As the Service Manager, you will be working as a part of a management team and be accountable for the quality standards in the service, building and sustaining professional relationships with all stakeholders.You will play a key role in leading the day–to–day delivery of the service, providing effective management and leadership to a team of Early Help support workers and Early Help Development Workers. As the Service Manager, you will be required to work in partnership with the Operational Manager to support the strategic development of the integrated service offer for children and families living in the West of Birmingham. You will be required to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders and actively engage in local and district meetings and with Birmingham Childrens Trust. As the Service Manager, you will be working as a part of a management team and be accountable for the quality standards in the service, building and sustaining professional relationships with all stakeholders. 

** To read the full job description and submit your application and CV, please visit the Vacancies Page on the Libraries Unlimited website **

Senior Fundraising & Business Development Officer – (Job ref: FBD001)

Salary: £28,800 gross per annum (£36,000 FTE)
Hours: 29.6 hours over 4 days (working pattern to be discussed with successful candidate)
Location: Hybrid (home working and Exeter Library)
Closing date: 9am, Monday 9th March 2026
Interview date: Thursday 19th March 2026 at Cullompton Library

We’re one of Devon’s biggest charities, with a passion for enriching the lives of local people and communities through the power of reading. We’re looking to continue our success of generating income to support our charitable activities, and so if you also have a record of success, and a passion for what we do, then we’d love to hear from you. In return we can offer:

• 24 days holiday per year, plus Bank Holidays, rising to 26 days after 5 years’ continuous service
• Pension – defined contribution pension scheme with matched employer contributions of up to 6%
• Enhanced maternity and shared parental pay / Enhanced paternity pay
• Free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering practical and emotional support by phone and online
• Access to free and discounted tickets to live music, comedy, theatre and sports events in the UK via Tickets for Good
• Cycle to Work Scheme/ Employee Benefits Scheme with Extras Discounts

** To read the full job description and submit your application and CV, please visit the Vacancies Page on the Libraries Unlimited website **

Are you enthusiastic about giving supporters the best experience when contacting us?

Do you have the professionalism and empathy to make every interaction with our brain tumour community supportive and meaningful?​

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!​

It is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Supporter Care Officer.​

As a Supporter Care Officer you will play a crucial role in being the first point of contact for supporters, delivering an excellent support experience. ​

You will: ​

• Lead on thanking supporters for all our existing Appeals, Core Campaigns and National Events; working with other teams to ensure that supporters are thanked in a timely manner
   
• Work with the Community Fundraising Team to evaluate the next best ask and proactively contact supporters with promoting fundraising and campaigning products for new and existing supporters
   
• Support all new Individual Giving and Supporter Care activities
   
• Provide excellent customer service to existing and potential new supporters offering an empathetic and supportive service via the main telephone line, email and general correspondence ​

Can you see yourself making a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?

Do you want your work to have a real, positive effect on someone’s life?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start?

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If you’ve answered yes to these questions and feel this role could be right for you, we encourage you to learn more about this position. Please take a read through our recruitment pack Supporter Care Officer - Recruitment Pack included within this job advert. 

We are asking for a CV as the first step, but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​​

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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Islington Mind is dedicated to promoting the preservation and safeguarding of mental health. We support the recovery process of people who experience mental distress and provide for the relief and the wellbeing of their carers.  

Job title:  IT and Resources Officer 

Salary: £18,900 per annum for 3 days a week  (£31,500 FTE) 

Contract: 0.6FTE, 3 days per week, permanent 

Hours: 22.5 per week 

Location: Unit 4 Archway Business Centre, 19-23 Wedmore Street, Islington, London, N19 4RU 

Annual leave: 26 days plus bank holidays (Pro rata entitlement: 21 days leave including bank holidays) 

Responsible to Head of Service  

Key internal contacts colleagues, trustees, Service users and volunteers 

Key external contacts Regulatory bodies, partner organisations, suppliers 

Main Purpose To hold responsibility for the framework, delivery, and day-to-day management of the charity’s IT systems and organisational resources, ensuring secure, efficient, and value-for-money operations that enable high-quality mental health services. 

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

1. IT RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Be the first point of contact for our externally contracted IT support team, to ensure all devices are maintained, updated, upgraded, and secured, including operating systems, security patches, antivirus, and endpoint protection. 

• Lead on all IT systems across the organisation, including hardware, software, networks, cloud-based systems, and user access. 

• Be our cyber security awareness champion and link with the external IT support team on any suspected cyber incidents, phishing attempts, data breaches, or system vulnerabilities. 

• Purchase, install and configure new IT equipment and software in line with organisational needs, budget, and security requirements. 

• Support staff with installing and using approved software and digital tools, providing guidance and basic training as required. 

• Maintain accurate IT documentation, including user access, licences, warranties, and renewal schedules. 

• Support business continuity from an IT perspective, ensuring systems resilience, backups, and disaster recovery arrangements are in place and tested. 

2. Resources and Core Business Administration  

• Lead on organisational resource management, including purchasing of equipment, supplies, and services, ensuring value for money and compliance with budgetary controls. 

• Maintain and update the Asset Register, ensuring all equipment is logged, tracked, and reviewed appropriately. 

• Provide administration to support the core business team including finance, health and safety contractors, insurance contracts 

• Support the maintenance and regular review of the Business Continuity Plan, ensuring it remains accurate, practical, and up to date. 

• Assist with record keeping, document control, and data accuracy across administrative and resource systems. 

• Contribute to the smooth running of central administrative processes and support continuous improvement in systems and ways of working. 

ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organisation. 

• Champion the charity’s values, professional integrity, and commitment to inclusion and respect. 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across teams to achieve organisational objectives. 

• Keep up to date with best practice and developments relevant to IT, resources, administration, and the voluntary sector. 

• Operate in compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies relating to staff, volunteers, and service user wellbeing. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

• Champion and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of work. 

• Maintain awareness of and comply with organisational policies including safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety, and data protection. 

• Represent the organisation externally where appropriate and develop positive working relationships with external stakeholders. 

• Take responsibility for keeping up to date with issues affecting people with mental health problems and the wider voluntary sector. 

• Attend organisational meetings outside normal office hours on occasion. 

• Travel regularly within the Borough. 

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the post.

If you are interested, please download and complete the  application form and monitoring form and email both to Philip Challinor before 5:00pm on Wednesday 11 March 2026.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing Monday 23 March.

Job Role: Fundraising CRM Officer

Salary: £16,200 per year (full time equivalent £27,000)

Hours: 22.5 hours per week

Contract type: Permanent

Location: Hybrid

Additional information:

• Flexible remote and hybrid working options available.
• There is an expectation to attend our Bath office at least once per month.

About Julian House:

Julian House is a charity dedicated to making a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society. We run several projects and every year we help thousands of people out of homelessness, into employment, away from domestic abuse, and more.

If you’d like a real sense of job satisfaction, great career prospects, and a competitive benefits package, you could be who we’re looking for!

About the Role:

Are you ready to take the lead in unlocking the full potential of our fundraising data? We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new opportunity: Fundraising CRM Officer. This is your chance to shape the future of how we use data to drive impact and grow income.

For the past five years, we’ve been using Donorfy CRM to manage supporter relationships—but now we’re ready to take things to the next level. We know that great data management isn’t just about systems; it’s about insight, innovation, and strategy. That’s where you come in.

As our Fundraising CRM Officer, you’ll be the go-to expert for all things Donorfy. You’ll work hand-in-hand with our Fundraising Team to turn data into action—spotting trends, improving processes, and finding smarter ways to engage supporters. Your expertise will help us uncover opportunities, streamline workflows, and ultimately make a bigger difference.

If you love working with fundraising data, thrive on problem-solving, and want to play a pivotal role in shaping how we grow, this is the role for you.

Responsibilities include:

• Keep our data in top shape – Take ownership of day-to-day CRM housekeeping, ensuring everything is accurate, up-to-date, and fully compliant.
• Connect the dots – Manage and maintain integrations between Donorfy and key platforms like Mailchimp, Stripe, and Eventbrite, making sure everything runs smoothly.
• Turn data into insight – Build dynamic lists, dashboards, and reports that empower the Fundraising Team to track performance and make informed decisions.
• Enable the team – Deliver training and ongoing support so colleagues can confidently use Donorfy for their day-to-day activities and campaigns.

Please note: Job descriptions are not exhaustive, and the successful candidate may occasionally be asked to take on other duties that align with the key responsibilities outlined.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Knowledge and experience of managing fundraising data.
• Understanding of technology relevant to fundraising data management.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders and colleagues whilst supporting in a hybrid context.
• Knowledge of GDPR law, including upcoming changes to soft opt-ins and how this would impact our approach to data management.

There are many great reasons to join our team!

• Access to our Rewards Platform, which includes an Employee Assistance Programme and Health Cash Plan
• 27 days annual leave, including an extra day off for your birthday, plus bank holidays - increasing up to 30 days after 4 years of continuous employment (pro rata for part-time staff)
• 30% staff discount at Julian House charity shop
• A generous and competitive pension scheme
• A supportive culture where staff feedback is highly valued and regular supervisions with line managers are conducted
• Great opportunities for career development and free monthly training sessions from experienced facilitators
• For all the fantastic and valuable work you’ll be doing, you’ll be eligible for the Blue Light Card which offers amazing discounts on thousands of brands

Our Ethos

As an Equal Opportunities employer, we have an Equality and Diversity Action plan in place showing our commitment in ensuring continuous improvement in creating an inclusive culture. We also have a committed group of Inclusion & Diversity champions who meet monthly to ensure progress is being made. We invite applications from people from all backgrounds and cultures, especially minority groups that are underrepresented in the workplace. We also welcome applications from those with lived experience. We embrace flexibility and are proud to be a Disability Confident and Mindful employer, as well as an Armed Forces Covenant Supporter.

If you have any special access requirements or other support needs throughout the application process (including interview), please contact us so that we can let you know how we can support you. We accept CVs and applications in all formats.

DBS Checks

We welcome applications from people with lived experience. All applicants working with our clients will be expected to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from becoming an employee, the decision will depend on the type of offence and its relevance to the role. If you would like to discuss any convictions you may have, please contact the person named in the advert. All information will be dealt with according to our Data Protection Policy.

Please note: We reserve the right to close our vacancies once the perfect candidate has been found. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out!

George Watson’s College is looking for an organised and detail-focused Operations Officer to support the work of our Development Office. 

This varied role plays a key part in managing the financial, operational and data systems that underpin fundraising and alumni engagement. The Operations Officer is responsible for accurately processing and reporting philanthropic income, managing the Development CRM (Raisers Edge), and working closely with the Finance Team to ensure strong controls, compliance and high-quality information. 

We are seeking someone who enjoys working with data and systems, has a keen eye for detail, and values collaboration. In return, you’ll join a supportive school community and contribute to work that helps strengthen connections with alumni and create long-term impact for George Watson’s College. 

Hours of work: 29 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, with the requirement for some evening and weekend work, as well as travel within Scotland and the UK. Flexibility is therefore required. 

Salary: £36,721 - £41,838 (Based to 36.25 hours and 52 weeks) this equates to £29,376 - £33,470 (Based on 29 hours per week) 

Benefits: Seven weeks annual leave (two to be taken at Christmas and New Year, automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club) 

Pattern Church was launched in December 2018 by the Diocese of Bristol as a Revitalisation Trust Resource Church with a vision of inviting people into family to serve Swindon. Since then, the church has grown rapidly, planted two new churches (The Well and The Light Church), and become a hub of mission and community life across the town.

The Director of Operations is part of the leadership of the church, providing the organisational, financial, and strategic backbone that enables mission and ministry to flourish. They will work closely with the Senior Leader, Trustees, and wider staff team to turn strategic vision into practical reality, ensuring strong governance, robust systems, sound stewardship, and an effective, faith-filled culture across all areas of church life.

Our team culture is shaped by GRACE—we are Growing, Reliant, All-in, Championing, and Expectant. Everyone gets involved. There is a clear sense of what we’re trying to achieve together in serving God and helping people find and grow in faith in Jesus. 

We are living in a moment of remarkable spiritual opportunity. Research shows a sharp rise in openness to faith among younger generations, something we see reflected in our own ministry and growth. The opportunities before us are significant, and the Operations Director will play a pivotal role in enabling us to step into this season with confidence and clarity.

For a full job description and information about how to apply, please head to the Pattern Church website.

Closing date: March 10th

Interviews w/c March 16th

To apply please send a CV and a cover letter by email. In your cover letter please highlight how your experience and skills relate to the job description and essential skills.

The Grants Officer is a new and integral role within Southwark Charities, created to support the growth and development of our grant-making activity. Working collaboratively with the charity’s Grants Manager, the successful candidate will play a central role in supporting the delivery of our grants programmes, at all stages of the grant-making process for community organisations and individuals, from application and assessment through to monitoring, reporting and relationship-building.

We are seeking an organised, proactive and detail-orientated individual, who is able to take the initiative, with experience of managing grants or comparable projects within the voluntary or public sector. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong alignment with our organisational values, excellent communication and administrative skills, and a solution-focused approach to their work.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small and committed team at an exciting time in the charity’s development. The role offers the chance to help shape new ways of working, contribute meaningfully to our impact, and make a real difference to the people of Southwark.

Location: St Mary Newington Close, Surrey Square, London, SE17 2LP until 2028, then Edward Edwards’ House, Nicholson Street, SE1 0XL.

The post will involve regular travel across Southwark for external meetings and events, including occasional evening and weekend working, and up to 2 days per week remote working.,

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Probation period: Six months

Reporting to: Grants Manager

Salary: £36,000-£38,000 p/a

Additional benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays; 8% employer’s pension contribution; Death in Service benefit of 3x gross salary

Deadline for applications: Monday 16th March 2026, 9am

To navigate the collaboration between BDEF and Adult Social Care (Bristol City Council), making sure that people with lived expertise lead decisions about the services they rely on, guided by the Co‑Production Policy and Disability Equality principles. Please see the attachments for full Job Description and Person Specification, including links to definitions and relevant policies.

Co‑Design and Co‑Production Worker

Hours: 28 hours per week.  Must be flexible and be available for occasional work outside of usual work hours.

Salary: £30,229.28 pro rata (depending on successful completion of the Probationary Period). For the hours, this would work out at £24,183.43 annually. Point 7 on BDEF Pay Policy.

Purpose: To navigate the collaboration between BDEF and Adult Social Care (Bristol City Council), making sure that people with lived expertise lead decisions about the services they rely on, guided by the Co‑Production Policy and Disability Equality principles.

Reports to: Director of BDEF.

Based at: Chelsea Room, Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6AW. However, we support flexible working arrangements and hybrid working as we are committed to supporting our workers to meet their needs. If this is relevant for you, this can be discussed.

Contract: This is a fixed term contract until March 2029.

Access: We are a Disabled people led organisation. This role is for Disabled people to apply for. As such, support to make reasonable adjustments and/or support to apply for Access to Work will be embedded from the start of working with us.

 As an organisation, we also use Social Model Identity First language such as ‘Disabled people’ and ‘impairments’ or ‘health conditions’.

We know there are Disabled applicants who will have faced many barriers in developing their careers. When you read the job description and person specification, think about your potential to meet the requirements.

If there are items on the person specification where you feel you don't strictly meet the skills or experience listed but you already have strategies, support, or technology to meet these skills in a way that works for you (or you feel with the right support you could excel at) then please apply.

Co-Design and Co-Production

BDEF’s Director previously supported Bristol City Council Adult Social Care to create a Co‑production Policy. This policy was developed because there was no clear, fair, or consistent way for the Council to involve people with lived experience of using Adult Social Care services.

The policy:

• Is designed through co-production between Disabled people, Carers, Community and Voluntary Sector workers and council officers.
• Clearly defines consultation, engagement, co‑design and co‑production.
• Sets expectations for inclusive, equitable involvement.
• Has been fully adopted and approved by Adult Social Care.
• Is intended to guide all future Adult Social Care work.

Following feedback, Bristol City Council has now contracted BDEF, a Disabled‑people‑led organisation, to take this work forward. This, as part of this contract, role will focus on supporting, embedding and putting the policy into practice, ensuring that people with lived expertise are meaningfully involved in shaping Adult Social Care services.

The role will work closely with people with lived expertise of Adult Social Care services (Disabled people and carers among others), Bristol City Council Adult Social Care officers, community and voluntary organisations and BDEF colleagues. The role holder will work directly with BDEF Director who will offer advice and support.

The main duties will include:

1. Planning and delivering agreed co‑design and co‑production projects (up to three per year, or fewer larger projects). This will involve working jointly with the Council and people with lived expertise throughout each project. There will be a need to make sure that projects follow the Co‑production Policy.

2. Facilitating quarterly sessions of the Co‑production Policy Advisory Group who are the people who helped create this policy. Their remit is to offer advice to council officers on how best to use the Co-Production policy within their work.

3. Building and maintaining relationships between community members, the Co-Production Policy Advisory Group, community and voluntary organisations, Adult Social Care at Bristol City Council, and BDEF (Bristol Disability Equality Forum).

4. Supporting Disabled people and others with lived expertise to take part fully and confidently and help people to understand their role and how their input influences decisions. This will also mean identifying and connect with new people with lived experience who want to be involved.

5. Making sure that all projects involve people with a diverse range of experiences, identities and cultures and who are representative of Bristol’s communities.

6. Monitoring progress and report impact, tracking the progress of co-design and co-production work. This would include producing clear, accessible reports at the end of each project.

7. Where possible and appropriate, support Council officers to work in a co‑productive way. This would include promote correct usage of co‑production language and definitions.

8. To make sure that the right range of support available is accessible and that people with the widest range of impairments and differences are included. 

9. To implement BDEF’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and to develop and share anti-discriminatory practice and to challenge any systemic oppression, discrimination, prejudice and stereotyping amongst Disabled people and in other organisations.

10.To work within BDEF’s safeguarding policies and to develop best practice in safeguarding and supporting adults at risk.

Any other tasks corresponding with the post, as required. Whilst this summary is detailed, it does not necessarily specify every task or activity required to achieve these outcomes.

General Accountabilities:

So far as reasonably practicable, the post-holder must promote safe working practices with regard to both themselves, volunteers and anyone else in the office or at meetings. 

Work within the Codes of Conduct, Constitution and all other policies of BDEF.

Make sure that output and outcomes (quality of work) are of a high standard and comply with current standards.

Undertake any other duties, determined by the Director and trustees, as required.

Context:

BDEF is a voluntary sector charity of, and for, all Disabled people who live, work or study in the Bristol area.  It seeks to engage with Disabled people in the Bristol area in identifying and addressing equalities issues of concern to both our existing and potential members.

Deadline:

Please return the application (in whatever form you choose) by 5pm on Tuesday 24th March 2026.

School Governance and Admissions Officer

We are looking for a School Governance and Admissions Officer to lead school governance and admissions in Church of England schools across the Diocese.

This is a part-time, hybrid working role that also offers flexi time.

Position: School Governance and Admissions Officer

Location: East Sussex/Hybrid

Salary: £30,970 per annum (FTE £44,242)

Hours: Part-time 26.25 hours per week (flexibility to work over 3.5 or 4 days per week)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 1st March 2026.

Interview Date: Hove on 16th March 2026.

About the Role

The Diocese has 154 schools across Sussex working in partnership with 360 parishes.  Based at Church House in Hove, the vision for Education is to be “Deeply Christian, serving the common good.”

The School Governance and Admissions Officer will work closely with the Director of Education and Deputy Director of Education to act as the lead officer for school governance and admissions for all Church of England schools across the Diocese of Chichester. You will provide advice and support to headteachers, staff, governors and clergy of Church of England schools and academies specifically related to the Admissions code of practise and issues relating to compliance and governance.

Main duties include:

• Provide expert advice and support on school admissions to headteachers and school governors.
• Advise on compliance and governance matters, including complaints and disciplinary issues.
• Develop and deliver training to governors and headteachers on admissions and governance.
• Manage the recruitment and appointment process of foundation governors.
• Work with the Deputy Director and School Effectiveness Team to address leadership and management issues in schools to help raise standards and improve outcomes for children.

About You

Our ideal candidate will:

• Be educated to degree level (or equivalent) and with experience of being a school governor, clerk to governors or other relevant governance experience.
• Demonstrate up to date knowledge and understanding of education legislation and regulation related to admissions and governance for Church Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts.
• Be confident in planning and delivering high quality training to governors and headteachers.
• Build strong working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including governors, headteachers, academy partners and Local Authority officers.
• Demonstrate commitment to the aims and ethos of the Diocese of Chichester and represent the diocesan Education team professionally and positively.

For full details of the job please see the job description and person specification when you click to apply.

About the Organisation

The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England.

As an employer, and as a Church House team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.

What we offer:

• A salary of £30,970 per annum (pro-rata FTE £44,242) for 26.25 hours per week (0.7) with flexibility to work over 3.5 or 4 days per week
• Flexi-time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week.
• A 0.7 pro-rata entitlement of 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year.
• Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%.
• An employee assistance programme with access to counselling support, GP helpline, financial, legal and care advice and support.
• Free eye tests and employer contribution towards glasses
• Free parking, and the ride to work scheme and development opportunities

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and the post will involve travelling around the Diocese, some evening work and occasional work at weekends

Other roles you may have experience of could include School Governance, School Admissions, Admissions, Governance and Admissions, School Governance and Administrations, School Governance Officer, School Admissions Officer, Admissions Officer, Governance and Admissions Officer, School Governance and Administrations Officer. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by Not For Profit People on behalf of the organisation.

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. 

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This role is strategic, creative and fast paced. The successful applicant will lead the Westminster public affairs team at Independent Age to develop influencing strategies targeting decision makers across national and local government, Parliament and Whitehall to ensure we secure policy change for older people facing financial hardship. You’ll need to be a strategic thinker, with an in-depth understanding and experience of different parliamentary levers, the ability to build strong external relationships, and have exceptional organisation skills. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to raise the issues faced by people in later life experiencing financial hardship up the political agenda and further establish Independent Age’s profile as a key stakeholder in this space. 

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. 

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age here.

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS check will be required for this role.

Closing Date: Sunday 1st March 2026 at 11:59pm

Interview Dates: Wednesday 11th and Friday 13th March

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

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We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

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As part of our safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities, this role requires a DBS check and professional/character references. We are committed to inclusion and will consider each application fairly.

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About you;

This is a terrific opportunity to play a fundamental role as Helpline and Support Officer at Muscular Dystrophy UK’s and provide tailored advice and practical support to individuals and families affected by muscle-wasting and weakening conditions.

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This is a new, 12months fixed term, full-time position that has been created to strengthen the delivery of key services, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall experience for those we support as we deliver our new strategy.

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The Helpline and Support Officer role sits within the Services and Support Directorate and provides tailored advice and practical support to individuals and families living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions from the point of diagnosis and beyond.

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You'll support people to navigate the UK’s health, social care and welfare systems, enabling access to the services, benefits and equipment they are entitled to.

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You'll be involved in informal advocacy, helping service users communicate their needs to overcome barriers; while ensuring they receive high-quality and ongoing support throughout their journey.

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About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically. 

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This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

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Values and behaviours:

• A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.

• Seek opportunities to contribute to the development of the charity.

• A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Always demonstrate role model behaviour.

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Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally.

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Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offerrange of benefits includes great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...

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Location: Head Office, London SE1 (with flexibility for hybrid working)

Closing date: Sunday 15th March 2026

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Interview dates: NB: Please note that we are interviewing on a rolling basis and may close the advert earlier than the stated deadline if we successfully fill the role.

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Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

Context:
Kinship provides direct support to, raises awareness of and campaigns for the rights of kinship carers across the UK. Kinship carers are navigating complex family relationships, trauma, poverty, discrimination. The children that they care for have frequently experienced abuse or are at risk of harm. Safeguarding concerns can be disclosed by kinship carers at all contact points with Kinship. 

Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility and requires a safeguarding approach that is aligned to statutory frameworks, is professional, consistent, trauma-informed and proportionate to level of risk.

The designated safeguarding officer holds organisational responsibility for Kinship’s safeguarding framework and actions. The role works collaboratively with a team including a Safeguarding Trustee and a group of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads drawn from key service areas across the charity.

The role provides expertise, professional guidance and clear direction across the organisation, supporting staff and volunteers to make sound safeguarding decisions within a framework.

Purpose of the role:
The Designated Safeguarding Manager works closely with all teams across Kinship to embed proactive, person-centred, and partnership-driven safeguarding practice to protect children and adults at risk of harm.

The role provides professional oversight to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads through individual and group reflective practice and supports high-quality and defensible safeguarding decision-making. The role drives contextual safeguarding approaches, promote professional curiosity, continual professional development and ensures safeguarding responses are informed by lived experience and the realities of kinship care.

At Kinship safeguarding concerns come from risks of harm to adults and children often with risks of harm to multiple people in the same family context.

This requires careful, trauma-informed decision-making and support for staff responding to complex safeguarding situations.

How the role works:
Reporting to the Head of Programmes, the Designated Safeguarding Manager holds responsibility for safeguarding practice across the organisation and provides expert oversight and organisational assurance ensuring safeguarding is embedded consistently, proportionately and in line with best practice.

This role will require flexibility for occasional travel in England and Wales.

Key responsibilities:

Organisational safeguarding accountability and assurance

• Act as Kinship’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, holding organisational authority for safeguarding decision-making and escalation.
• Hold organisational accountability for safeguarding practice, ensuring responsibilities are well defined, understood and embedded across the organisation.
• Maintain and assure a robust safeguarding framework, including defined roles, escalation routes, decision-making thresholds and accountability arrangements and balance safeguarding rigour with compassion and proportionality.
• Provide safeguarding oversight and assurance during service development, mobilisation and organisational change to ensure risks are identified, assessed and mitigated.

Trauma-informed safeguarding practice and oversight

• Embed trauma-informed safeguarding practice, ensuring all decisions, interventions, and organisational processes:
  • Recognise the impact of past and ongoing trauma on children, kinship carers, and families.
  • Prioritise emotional and psychological safety while balancing protection, autonomy, and empowerment.
  • Integrate trauma-awareness into risk assessments, safety planning, case management, policies, and service design.
• Support staff through reflective supervision, guidance, and training to respond effectively.
• Provide professional oversight and reflective practice support to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.
• Provide expert safeguarding advice and consultation to staff and managers, supporting the assessment of concerns, threshold decisions, appropriate escalation, and proportionate, trauma-informed decision-making.
• Quality-assure safeguarding practice and decision-making to ensure actions are proportionate, person-centred, trauma-informed, and defensible.
• Maintain appropriate oversight of safeguarding records, risk assessments, and safety planning.

 Policy, compliance and organisational assurance

• Develop, review and maintain safeguarding policies, procedures and guidance in line with legislation, statutory guidance and Charity Commission expectations.
• Ensure safeguarding systems, processes and recording arrangements are robust, accessible and consistently applied.
• Provide regular safeguarding assurance, analysis and learning reports to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Culture, capability and continuous improvement

• Embed trauma-informed, contextual and culturally responsive safeguarding practice across the organisation.
• Promote professional curiosity and reflective practice, supporting staff to exercise sound professional judgement and avoid overly procedural responses.
• Design and deliver safeguarding training and guidance for staff and volunteers, building organisational capability and confidence.
• Lead learning reviews following safeguarding incidents or near misses, ensuring learning informs service and practice improvement.

Equity, inclusion and anti-racist safeguarding

• Ensure safeguarding practice actively considers how race, ethnicity, racism and intersecting inequalities shape risk, vulnerability and access to support.
• Support teams to identify and challenge bias and assumptions through reflective practice, supervision and learning.
• Embed equity, inclusion and anti-racist principles within safeguarding frameworks, policies, training and quality assurance processes.

Partnership working and external accountability

• Work collaboratively with statutory partners and external agencies to support effective safeguarding responses.
• Represent Kinship in multi-agency safeguarding forums, reviews or regulatory engagement as required.

Experience (Essential)

• Significant experience in adult and child safeguarding practice, including oversight of complex, high-risk, and multi-agency safeguarding situations.
• Experience providing professional oversight, reflective supervision, and structured learning support to safeguarding practitioners or leads, without direct line management responsibility.
• Experience embedding contextual safeguarding approaches and promoting professional curiosity in decision-making.
• Experience of working confidently with complexity, challenging constructively and supporting teams to do the right thing in difficult situations.
• Experience developing, reviewing, and embedding safeguarding policies, procedures, training, and learning frameworks.
• Substantial experience working with dispersed or multi-disciplinary teams, supporting wellbeing, professional development, and reflective practice.
• Experience working in voluntary sector, community-based, or service delivery organisations, particularly where safeguarding concerns arise through multiple routes.

Knowledge (Essential)

• Strong working knowledge of adult and child safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and recognised safeguarding frameworks, with the ability to apply them proportionately in practice.
• Up-to-date knowledge of children’s and adult social care systems.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based practice in work with adults, children, and families.
• Awareness of how racism, inequality, and structural disadvantage can increase risk and shape safeguarding experiences, particularly for Black and minoritised communities.
• Understanding of organisational safeguarding governance, including accountability, assurance, escalation, and risk management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities within the voluntary and community sector, including Charity Commission expectations, trustee duties, and regulatory requirements

Skills and abilities (Essential)

• Strong professional judgement, with confidence in making and defending complex safeguarding decisions.
• Calm, credible, and reflective approach in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to support and challenge colleagues constructively through reflective discussion, learning, and coaching rather than directive management.
• Clear, compassionate, and adaptable communicator, able to translate safeguarding complexity for diverse audiences, including operational and service delivery teams.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple safeguarding priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across wide-ranging professional teams and external partners.
• Values-led, with a demonstrable commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-racist practice, and culturally responsive safeguarding.

Qualifications (Essential)

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, health, or related field), or equivalent professional experience.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding children and adults.
• Permission to work in the UK.

Attributes and general characteristics (Essential)

• Commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of Kinship.
• Respectful, empathetic approach to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexible and willing to travel across England as required.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Lived experience of kinship care.
• Experience using Salesforce, Asana, Notion, and/or general AI tools for case management, project management, or documentation.
• Experience in innovation and continuous improvement within safeguarding practice or organisational culture.

How to apply:
Please apply for the role of Designated Safeguarding Manager by sending a tailored CV and responding to these 5 questions below in the online application process. Please read the guidance notes in the job pack. 

Closing date is 9am on Mon 2 March, with a first interview (30 mins online) that week and a second interview in person on Tues 10 March 2026. 

For all questions, please provide a maximum of 250 words per answer.

1.Alignment with Kinship: Why do you want to work for Kinship, and why does this Safeguarding Manager (Designated Safeguarding Lead) role matter to you at this point in your career?  Please refer to Kinship’s work and services in your answer, and explain what specifically about this role you are drawn to. 

2.Trauma informed practice: Describe a specific example where you have led or overseen a safeguarding concern using a trauma-informed approach.

3. Contextual safeguarding and professional curiosity: Tell us about a time you applied contextual safeguarding or professional curiosity to a situation where the initial concern did not tell the full story. What did you notice, what questions did you ask, and how did this change the safeguarding response? 

4. Reflective practice and supporting others: Give an example of how you have supported others to improve safeguarding decision-making through reflective practice (for example group reflection or one-to-one discussion). What was the issue and what changed? 

5. Equity, racism and safeguarding: Describe a situation where race, ethnicity or structural inequality affected safeguarding risk or decision-making. How did you recognise this and what did you do to ensure a fair and proportionate response? 

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts. 

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Living Wage Foundation

The Living Wage movement began in 2001, after Citizens UK brought together communities in East London to discuss poverty and low pay. The campaign grew in momentum and soon required a mechanism to recognise employers who wanted to join the movement, which saw the establishment of the Living Wage Foundation in 2011.

Still part of Citizens UK today, the Living Wage Foundation continues to work with community organisations to make sure the voices of both workers and businesses are part of the Living Wage movement. We now work with over 16,000 employers, benefitting over 475,000 people and winning over £3bn of better wages for people who need it most.

Citizens UK works with a broad base of institutions across the political spectrum. At the Living Wage Foundation, we take the same deliberately broad-based approach and accredit all organisations who pay the real Living Wage to their directly and indirectly employed staff and are committed to tackling in work poverty. As a team we work across a range of industries and sectors to achieve this mission. We seek pragmatic coalitions in order to progress specific campaigns, and partnership around a particular issue such as Living Wage, does not imply an endorsement of broader purpose and policies.

Purpose

At Citizens UK, our organisers and project staff work within communities to develop leaders, strengthen organisations, campaign for change and organise across difference. There are various project roles and operational, communication, finance and HR roles that support the organisation and project staff and organisers to deliver on this mission and work. This work is rewarding and can be challenging; it requires a personal commitment to inclusion, a willingness to listen and disagree respectfully, and an interest in working in an organisation where our staff, member institutions and leaders will come from a diversity of backgrounds and often hold views that may be very different from our own. More information about how we operate within this context and build trusted relationships across difference can be found on our website and is covered in induction. Onboarding and navigating this relational culture, and type of work, is supported by line managers and further training.

Main Responsibilities

We are looking for highly motivated and organised individual to coordinate our accreditation scheme. The role will work with our network of employers, and support new organisations through the accreditation process.

The Programme Officer will lead our work in Yorkshire and Humber support our Managers to grow and deepen engagement with Living Wage Employers through our associated schemes. You will help to ensure our resources and publicity materials are well written and up-to-date, and to coordinate events to grow our employer network.

Working as the Programme Officer for Citizens UK, reporting to a Programme Manager, your main responsibilities will include:

Contribute towards the achievement of CUK and LWF’s strategic objectives

Understand how the role contributes to LWF’s purpose and the core mission of CUK.

Reliably implement CUK’s and LWF’s policies, procedures, and values in own work.

Work with CUK community organisers and leaders to promote civic engagement with and ownership of the Living Wage campaign.

Feed into the LWF strategy and objectives development.

Living Wage Accreditation:

Support key contacts at potential LW Employers through the accreditation process, from dealing with initial enquiries to guiding them through the employer journey, to checking and processing their accreditation.

Develop rewarding relationships with key employers, industry, and campaign partners within our networks to build interest in the Living Wage and deliver a high-quality experience to our accredited employers.

With support from the wider team, develop plans and strategies to grow the number of accreditations in specific regions or industries.

Collate and disseminate Living Wage criteria and policy issues through both internal and external facing guidance, whilst reviewing and monitoring its suitability.

Support the development and implementation of projects to promote and grow Living Wage accreditations and develop the quality of service offered.

Build and manage projects and achieve work targets effectively

Successfully progress projects and tasks incl. tracking performance and expenditure.

Deliver agreed areas of the LWF’s work plan and leading on agenda items to report into team meetings.

Support the growth and development of new and existing Living Wage schemes incl. Recognised Service Providers, LW Funders, LW Places, Living Hours, Global Living Wage and Living Work Consultancy.

Deliver personal work targets on time and to standard:

Respond to telephone and web-based enquiries by providing advice and support to employers and supporters.

Provide administrative support for all aspects of the accreditation journey, incl. processing accreditations, recognitions, and renewals.

Maintain LWF data on systems, incl. Salesforce employer database.

Support the maintenance of our systems to ensure efficient processes and develop reporting mechanisms for effective monitoring and evaluation of our impact and progress against plans.

Coordinate and administrate Steering, Advisory or Leadership Groups as required, incl. coordinating agendas, sending out timely papers, taking minutes and following up on actions.

Learning & expertise

Keep abreast of new developments in the accreditation space.

Apply new learning to work and respond effectively to feedback.

Work collaboratively with the LWF and franchise teams to share learnings and experience and ensure that we are meeting the expectations of our network and stakeholders.

Develop and manage external relationships

Effectively develop and support a range of external relationships.

Respond effectively to queries or requests from stakeholders.

Engage with a diverse range of external stakeholders to support and develop projects as required.

Communications

Communicate effectively within the LWF; ensuring that messages are reliably passed to those who need to know.

Represent the LWF coherently in writing and verbally.

Events and Communications.

Plan and organise events to celebrate and grow our network of LW Employers, incl. playing an active role in the delivery of LW Week and assisting colleagues with event logistics

Represent and speak on behalf of the LWF at internal and external meetings and events.

Develop or feed into employer resources incl. marketing materials, blogs, reports, templates, and guides.

Develop and manage internal relationships

Work effectively with colleagues across Citizens UK.

Work collaboratively within the LWF team and actively participate in the team to ensure we meet the expectations of our network and stakeholders.

Generate income and resources

Contribute to plans and proposals to grow sources of income/resource.

Take personal responsibility for the careful stewardship of LWF’s resources.

Personal Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

EXPERIENCE:

Comprehensive experience in an administrative role (E)

Experience of building positive relationships (E)

Experience of managing and updating Salesforce or similar databases (D)

Experience of delivering a range of high quality communications materials, including websites, reports, newsletters (D)

KEY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Excellent time management skills with the ability to juggle a wide range of competing demands (E)

Understanding of database and systems management (E)

Ability to take in and interpret information and present in a succinct manner (E)

Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, combined with the ability to liaise with senior stakeholders (E)

Ability to act on own initiative to introduce and develop new systems as appropriate (E)

Strong attention to detail  (E)

Strong IT skills to include MS Office and database software (E)

Understanding of the policy and campaign landscape in the UK (D)

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

A proactive approach to all areas of work with a ‘can do’ attitude and a flexible approach to work demands (E)

A strong commitment to the Living Wage campaign and principles of Citizens UK (E)

About the application process

We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role.

For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us.

Interviews will be in person in Leeds, week commencing 30th March.