Evolve Housing Support Jobs

Join a team with a bold mission – at Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind, we are dedicated to reshaping the landscape of mental health and emotional well-being in our community. We believe in empowering individuals with opportunities for a richer life. 

What You'll Do: -

Collaboration and Efficiency: Work hand-in-hand with existing Mental Health Provision for people and their families, as well as other local agencies/organisations to effectively support people transitioning from services. 

Innovation and Empowerment: Channel your passion into providing evidence-based interventions, becoming key in shaping this role as the service develops as well as providing support to the core Access Community Mental Health team.

Reporting to: Head of Finance and Resources

Responsible for:  None

Hours: 36 hours per week (9am-5pm)

Location: The main place of work will be: Orchard House and other locations from time to time.

Mind in Croydon is a charity concerned with the welfare of people with mental health problems living in the London Borough of Croydon and the surrounding areas. It provides a range of

support services in Advocacy, Welfare Benefits, Social Networks, Therapeutic Services, Health and Wellbeing, Social Inclusion, Activities and Information.

Purpose of the role:

The Facilities Officer role is pivotal in overseeing and managing property operations within the UK market. This position is designed to ensure the efficient utilization of properties, adherence to Health and Safety (H&S) regulations, and optimization of net income generated by investment properties. The key objectives of the role align with UK-specific property management and compliance standards.

Mind in Croydon is an equal opportunities employer. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We encourage applications from those with Lived Experience.

To apply please send your CV and a Covering Letter explaining:

• Why would you like to apply for this role?
• How your skills and experience relate to the competencies in the Person Specification of the job description?
• What value you can add to the service?

What You'll Do: 

• Collaboration and Efficiency: Work hand-in-hand with existing Mental Health Provision for people and their families, as well as other local agencies/organisations to effectively support people transitioning from services. 
   

• Innovation and Empowerment: Channel your passion into providing evidence-based interventions, becoming key in shaping this role as the service develops as well as providing support to the core Access Community Mental Health team. 
   

Why Join Us: 

• Impact Matters: Join a team where your work directly transforms lives and contributes to a healthier community. 

• Personal Growth: We offer professional development opportunities that will enrich your career and help shape the future of mental health services in Swindon. 

• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a meaningful impact. 

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Repairs and Maintenance manager to join our estates department as we start the implementation of our 2023-2028 corporate strategy that seeks to double our current housing offer and improve the quality of our existing estate.

The Estates Repairs & Maintenance Manager will report directly to the Associate Director of Estates working alongside the Estate's Surveyor, Facilities Officer, Estates Administrator and external property consultancy partner who will provide technical support in terms of the production of tender and specifications, contract administration, property surveys, cost advice and feasibility studies.

How you will make a difference

The main purpose of the Estates Repairs & Maintenance Manager role is to manage and oversee effective property repairs, maintenance and improvement works across the property portfolio and ensure that it remains legally compliant. This includes properties where the responsibility for repairs and maintenance is that of the Charity and equally of other parties such as landlords and housing associations. The role will include managing existing external contractor relationships and housing association repairs and maintenance performance, as well as introducing new supplier contracts where required according to the wider needs of the charity. The role will also include managing major/complex projects on behalf of the charity and supporting other areas of the department ensuring properties remain compliant.

*Appointments will be at the minimum of the band.

*London Allowance is paid for roles that are based within the Greater London area only.

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

Please see further details on our website

You can also follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram and LinkedIn to find out more about the work we do!

Don’t meet all requirements?

If the role sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don’t exactly match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply, you may be just the right person for our position!

Caring for our people.

We offer a wide range of support. Some of our benefits include:

• PULSE: our recognition, rewards, wellbeing, and benefits platform. Providing access to thousands of discounts and benefits including cashback; reloadable cards; savings etc. As well as being able to thank colleagues and nominate them for awards. 
• Wagestream: gives you instant access to up to 50% of your pay. Also provides a library of expert tools, tips and articles plus, helps you start building a rainy-day pot straight from your salary.
• Wellbeing support: our Wellbeing hub gives physical, emotional, and mental health support. We also have a BUPA Employee Assistance Programme with access to appointments. 
• Taking time for you: we work flexibly –you get to choose where you work, managing your own diary. We have generous annual leave, starting at 25 rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays, as well as your birthday off. We also offer the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave. 
• Planning for the future: We have a contributory pension scheme. 
• Structured Corporate Induction: Onboarding you into the Charity supporting your wellbeing along the way. 
• £300 when you introduce a Friend: receive up to £300 when you introduce a friend or family member. 

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

The Margins Project, Union Chapel’s Frontline charity, work with people who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness and helps address pertinent social justice issues these communities face.

The charity runs three integrated programmes:

• a community drop-in programme providing access to nutritious hot meals, and limited access to showers & laundry services.

• advice and engagement programme providing one-to-one as well as group advice service on benefits and housing, and onward referrals to pertinent services.

• support employment programme offers a paid catering training to 10 people who have had experience of homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill-health, and or imprisonment.

Our range of services are designed to help guests (service users) at varying stages, from having no roof over their head to getting back into employment.

This role offers an opportunity for an experienced adviser to help shape and evolve Margins services. Experiences on the ground at the drop-in programme inform the charity’s strategic direction. The role will involve expanding our partner network to link into pertinent statutory and other charitable organisations that provide services that will help our guests with their housing, substance misuse, recidivism, and mental health challenges.

We work closely with people on an individual case work basis to get guests off the streets, into hostels or temporary accommodation where possible, and work with private and social landlords on a range of issues. We support and represent the people we work with on the phone and in person, including at the council, the doctors, the job centre, and benefits tribunals.

Our drop-ins run on Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00am to 1:00pm where attendance is currently from 65 to 75 guests. The advice and engagement worker works more intensively with smaller numbers of up to 20. The demand for more follow up work and advocacy support has been increasing over the last two years and this in-house advice worker is critical for this demand.

Working collaboratively with the Drop-in Community worker (currently vacant), the head chef, and a small group of dedicated volunteers, you will be responsible for the support of a caseload of guests, some with complex needs, and will undertake key work responsibilities including registering the guests, identifying their housing, benefit and personal needs and conducting all necessary follow ups including occasional advocacy support, where deemed necessary.

Job Title: ADVICE AND ENGAGEMENT WORKER

Responsible to: Head of Margins

Location: Margins Offices at Union Chapel, Islington, London

Salary: £32,500 - £35,000

Terms: Full time 37.5 hours per week with 1 hour unpaid for lunch.

Three-month probation, two months’ notice.

23 days annual leave + bank holidays. Workplace pension scheme (NEST)

Start date: May 2024

Purpose of Job:

• To advise and assist guests (service users) with benefit claims and related issues, e.g., Housing Benefit, DLA, PIP, Income Support, ESA, Universal Credit, and other benefits. In particular, assisting them to claim Housing Benefit and UC to reduce risk of rent arrears.

• To develop significant contact and liaison with comparable housing and benefits advice organisations.

• To encourage guests engage with Margins activities, and where practicable, with the wider Union Chapel activities.

• To develop, facilitate and deliver group advice workshops/training programmes and open discussions forums to engage guests who historically do not engage with Union Chapel.

• To Refer Margins guests to relevant internal and external services.

• In liaison with the head of Margins and the chef to refer potential candidates to Margins’ Supported Employment Programme.

The Advice and Engagement Worker will have an active role in identifying and engaging guests as well as referring potential candidates to the Supported Employment Programme, a programme anticipated to expand beyond its current services in Margins catering.

Responsible For:

• Working with caseload of guests

• With the support of drop-in services community worker (currently vacant) to ensure the smooth running of the drop-in services

• Identifying opportunities to improve services both at a project and organisational level.

• Assist the Head of Margins in ensuring that the Margins Project remains GDPR compliant.

• Represent the organisation effectively internally and externally.

• Working in partnership with statutory and other charities to deliver co-ordinated support to guests.

• Identify relevant training opportunities in capacity building.

• Initial liaison with and acting as the first referral contact for the Supported Employment Programme

Key Duties:

• To encourage and assist guests achieve the maximum income from benefits to which they are entitled to, and to refer to relevant support services such as mental health, social services, community support.

• To advise guests on basic budgeting and where applicable to refer to Tenancy Support Officers or outside agencies for more complex help.

• To liaise closely with local authorities, social, and private landlords to try to achieve the best outcome for our guests.

• To identify if the guest is accessioning the right benefit that will support their long-term wellbeing.

• To support newly arrived refugees with their housing and benefit advice needs.

• To actively assist guests with formal appeals against Local Authority, DWP and HMRC decisions regarding benefit entitlement. Representing at Appeal Tribunals.

• To signpost guests to resources that can assist them in finding work.

• When needed, signposting guests to specialist providers in mental health or drug and alcohol support services.

• To Support guests on paying their rent, including providing advice on benefits and debt management.

• To Address breaches of occupancy agreements and develop strategies that would prevent and avoid eviction.

• To assist guests with backdated claims for Benefit by supporting their applications through to completion.

• To ensure all guests’ files are up-to-date and that data is captured on our management system.

• To provide written reports and statistics as and when requested.

• To attend supervision, training, and meetings as and when required.

• To provide advocacy support to guests as and when required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Good knowledge of the benefits system, including Universal Credit.

• Experience of working with homeless and marginalised people and understanding of the issues that face them.

• Experience of working or collaborating with people with mental health issues.

• Experience of working with refugees and their needs.

• Ability to manage challenging behaviours.

• Embrace a strength-based approach.

• A clear understanding of professional boundaries.

• A knowledge of the best practice in Safeguarding Adult procedures.

• Excellent written and oral communication skill.

• Ability to work proactively as part of a team.

• Ability to plan, manage and action follow-ups on time and manage and contain workload.

• Proficient in IT skills and competence in Microsoft Office applications.

• Committed to personal and professional development through ongoing training.

Desirable:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience of providing advice to vulnerable groups

• Experience of delivering provision for the benefit of vulnerable backgrounds

Equal Opportunities:

• Ensure consistent and effective implementation of Union Chapel Equal Opportunities & Diversity policy and procedures.

• Positively promote an environment which respects and values the diversity of staff, volunteers, and Guests.

This is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Advice and Engagement Worker. It is therefore not comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed with the postholder and the line manager from time to time. The post holder may undertake any other reasonable duties within the capabilities and scope of the post as specified by their line manager. In such circumstances appropriate training will be provided.

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a support statement, both no more than two pages, outlining your skills and experiences to meet the criteria of the role, why you want to work for Union Chapel Project and your availability to start with “Advice and Engagement Worker” in the subject line. Please also complete our Equal Opportunities Form.

Closing date: Tuesday 30 April 2024, 8am

Interviews will take place w/c 13 May 2024

We are a dedicated Domestic Abuse Charity supporting Women exposed to gender-based violence and exploitation, and their children to be safe and have access to appropriate interventions and support in order to live free from fear and harm.

If you are passionate about supporting women and working in a charity that has core values of diversity and inclusion, collaboration, advocacy and innovation then we have an exciting opportunity for you to join us as a Support Office working in our Refuges.  We work with trauma informed practice and use client led support plans to ensure that the women in our Refuges are supported in a personalised way.

We are passionate about working in the community with other agencies and organisations to ensure that women using our services have excellent, appropriate and holistic support.

About the role:

The post holder will work within The Passage’s Community Services as a Complex Case Outreach Worker and will lead on case management for people experiencing homelessness who are presenting in the footprints in which the team operate and/or who are accessing the Resource Centre. The post-holder will support individuals with substance use support needs and/or mental health issues and will lead on work with clients who are experiencing alcohol and/or drug dependencies and who may also be experiencing mental health problems or other health or social care needs.

Main duties:

• To manage a caseload of clients presenting within the footprints in which the Engagement & Outreach service operate and individuals who are accessing The Passage Resource Centre. To support clients with complex needs, supporting them to identify and work towards recovery and away from homelessness.
• Carry out assessments, case management, support planning and the delivery of interventions for clients including those experiencing mental health and/or substance misuse issues who are multiply-disadvantaged in their homelessness.
• Provide assertive outreach and engagement with street-based service users presenting with complex needs and barriers to engagement. Carry out monthly street-based audits to inform reporting and analysis of service outcomes.
• Support clients who are rough sleeping or involved in day time activity in the footprints in which the team operate to end their homelessness by linking them in with appropriate internal and external support services relevant to their needs. To provide support to clients who are accommodated, but may require ongoing support in order to maintain this accommodation, linking them in to appropriate local services.

General responsibilities:

• In conjunction with your line manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage.
• To participate in internal/external meetings as required, attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary.
• To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal, and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs.
• To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to, particularly those relating to Code of Practice and Confidentiality.
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults.
• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage.

Desired experience:

• Significant experience of delivering support services to socially excluded clients in a street based/day centre or similar setting.
• Significant experience of working in a mental health and/or substance misuse setting, working collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes for clients.
• Experience of providing a fully sensitive and responsive service to clients in a psychologically informed manner.
• Experience of working cooperatively with external partner agencies, e.g. Police, Social Services, NHS, as well as housing providers and voluntary agencies.
• Experience of assessing client needs and supporting clients to address their needs through assertive outreach and case management.
• Experience of working in a client-centered recovery focused approach and the necessary professional social skills to initiate and maintain constructive and appropriate relations with clients and agencies.
•  

Desired knowledge:

• Understanding the support needs of the street populations with complex health, and housing needs.
• Knowledge of services and legislative environment regarding housing, health, work and immigration as it relates to people experiencing homelessness.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing and collate and evidence work and outcomes using case management databases.
• Knowledge of Psychologically Informed Frameworks.
• An understanding of the causes of homelessness and, in particular, the needs of people who are multiply-disadvantaged in their homelessness.
• Knowledge of housing pathways available to dual diagnosis clients and how to access them.
• A working knowledge of how to support people with either substance or mental health needs.

Above all we are looking for inspiring and committed individuals who have a genuine desire to support people, and to help them to rebuild their lives.

Women’s Aid in Luton is a charity dedicated to supporting women exposed to gender-based violence and exploitation, and their children, to be safe and have access to appropriate intervention, support and advice in order to live free from fear and harm.

Our core values are diversity and inclusion, collaboration, advocacy and innovation and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission to practice in an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory way and develop professional cultures that recognise and challenge oppression in all forms.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Administrator to join our charity. 

Where: Luton

Hours:  37.5 hrs per week

Salary:  £24,432 - £26,357 per annum dependent on experience -

Fixed Term: 12 months

Responsibilities

About the role:

As a Senior Administrator, you will play a crucial role in supporting the efficient functioning of Women’s Aid in Luton. Your responsibilities include managing office operations, supporting senior managers, scheduling appointments, planning meetings, and performing various administrative tasks. Additionally, you will demonstrate a strong commitment to our organisation’s vision, values, and strategic aims.

 What we offer:

At Women’s Aid in Luton, we prioritize your well-being and provide a supportive workplace.

Below are some of the benefits that we offer as an employer.

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays)
• Flexible working arrangements
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: We provide access to a wide range of health services including dental, optical, and practitioner services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, and more. We also provide free health coverage for employees' children under 18, making sure the whole family is supported.
• 24/7 GP Support: Our employees have around-the-clock access to GP advice lines and virtual doctor services.
• Free Counselling: We prioritise mental health by providing a 24/7 counselling hotline and up to six face-to-face counselling sessions.
• Prescription Reimbursements: Employees can get reimbursements for NHS prescriptions, reducing their out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
• Personal Accident Cover: Our employees are safeguarded against permanent disability, accidental death, and dental trauma with our personal accident cover.
• Exclusive Discounts: Working with us gives access to an array of exclusive discounts on food shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships, dining out, tech, travel, and more.
• Life Event Support: We offer financial support during significant life events with our Birth & Adoption Grant.
• A monthly paid wellbeing hour
• Training, career development & progression opportunities
• A friendly and supportive team

Please read attached Job Description and Role Specifics for a more detailed outline of responsibilities 

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female applicants only in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1)

If this sounds like you and you’d like to begin your journey with Women’s Aid in Luton, then we’d love to talk to you. 

Our vision is for an environmentally engaged society with better connections to nature. 

Our mission is to improve life chances of children and young people through a range of Outdoor Learning experiences, enabling them to learn from nature, empowering them to have a positive impact on the environment. We do this through grant support, direct delivery, research and advocacy.

The Role

In this new role as a Development Surveyor at the Trust, you'll play an important part in advancing our Property Strategy, taking forward capital projects, in support of extending our charitable impact and growing our income to do so. Working closely with the Property Director, you'll lead multiple capital projects of differing scales and varying timelines, focusing on the redevelopment of rural assets, brownfield sites, and new developments focused on rural land and property.

Your expertise will be instrumental in managing relationships with partners, planning authorities, consultants and influential stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes. You'll be part of the Head Office-based Property team, with occasional travel to our rural landholdings across England.

Main Accountabilities:

• Assess and manage the Trust's portfolio of capital projects with a focus on maximising value and impact.
• Lead the development process from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with the Trust's strategic objectives and values.
• Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders and potential partners to advance developmentprojects.
• Serve as a Trust ambassador, representing our interests in various forums and engagements.
• Provide expertise in financial and development appraisals to guide decision-making.
• Provide regular progress updates to the Property Director, addressing risks and opportunities.
• Oversee local consultations and stakeholder engagement to ensure project alignment.
• Manage contracts and negotiations to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Co-ordinate design team meetings and liaise with professionals to drive project success.
• Conduct post-completion evaluations to capture feedback and improve future processes.

Person Specification:

Specific Requirements

• Proven track record in managing development projects, with a focus on rural property.
• Understanding of rural property characteristics and relevant legal frameworks.
• Proficiency in Health & Safety laws and regulations.
• Strong grasp of technical and contractual aspects of project development.
• Experience in financial modelling and analysis.
• Skilled in co-ordinating multiple external consultants, contractors, and planners.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and findings.

Personal Qualities

• Motivated and results-driven with a commitment to excellence.
• Confident leadership skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on cross-organisational alignment.
• Comfortable navigating complex contracts and commercial environments under time constraints.

Skills and Knowledge

• Degree or equivalent qualification or experience in surveying, property management or development, pre-construction project management (client side), or related field.
• Membership in a relevant professional body (eg, RICS, PMI).
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and development-specific software.
• Experience with GIS mapping software is desirable.

How to Apply

In the first instance, please download, complete and save the Application Form available via The Ernest Cook Trust website and then Upload your completed application form to our recruitment portal (The link is posted on the job description on our website).

(CVs will not be accepted)

Closing Date

Monday 13 May 2024 at 17:00.

1st Interviews

Monday 3 June 2024 at Fairford, Gloucestershire GL7 4JH.                                                                                           

2nd Interviews

Monday 17 June 2024 at Fairford, Gloucestershire GL7 4JH.                                                                                     

Find more information about The Ernest Cook Trust on our website.

We look forward to hearing from you.

ABOUT US

As a landowning educational charity, the Trust is uniquely placed to share its woodlands, farms and natural habitats to inspire a greater love and understanding of the natural world, farming and sustainability. We do this for children, young people, their families and communities, particularly those who face barriers to accessing and participating in the outdoors.

We are part of an impressive community of networks and organisations across the UK, working to help create a more environmentally engaged society. Our work is increasingly done in collaborations and partnerships with like-minded organisations, particularly with our funding partners, whose contribution significantly boosts the scale and reach of our work.

The Trust’s Estates

The Trust owns and manages over 9,000 hectares of land and property made up of mainly let farmland but also 584 hectares of woodland, houses, cottages and a growing commercial portfolio. Land is owned in six counties: Buckinghamshire, Cumbria, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Leicestershire and Oxfordshire. These rural landholdings are managed for income return and capital growth, whilst seeking ways to improve the environment and important habitats, evolving and protecting the landscapes.

Active management dictates that we are constantly looking for new opportunities and ways to evolve and improve our income stream in support of the Trust’s overall charitable object, which is education. These already include long-term housing development proposals, natural capital and carbon, and biodiversity net gain projects alongside other long-term ambitious plans.

OUR VALUES

The unique spirit of The Ernest Cook Trust is best expressed through our values:

Cultivating Connections
At the heart of our work lies the belief that meaningful and lasting change happens through the cultivation of connections. We value the relationships we build with the people and communities we serve, as well as each other and the partnerships we form with like-minded organisations. We understand that these connections create the conditions for people and places to flourish.

Freedom to Try
We embrace a culture of innovation and resilience, where both our team members and the individuals we serve have the freedom to try new things. This value encourages a dynamic and adaptable approach, nurturing trust and courage in ourselves and others.

Progressive Stewardship
We believe in responsible, forward-thinking management of our outdoor resources, as places where diversity can thrive. By actively caring for the environment, we ensure that the beauty and benefits of the outdoors are accessible to all, changing lives through individual and shared positive experiences.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Join our growing team at the Trust for a friendly and rewarding experience. We offer competitive salaries, a range of benefits plus a training budget for your personal growth.

We currently have around 45 members of staff based either at our Gloucestershire Head Office, across our UK landholdings and in our regional hubs (Gloucestershire, Cumbria/Lancashire, Leicestershire) or working hybridly.

Enjoy our generous benefits:

• 10% employer pension contribution (5% from employees)
• 27 days annual leave, plus statutory holidays.
• Life Assurance.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme, providing 24/7 support for health, mental wellbeing, and more.
• Dynamic, creative, and welcoming work environment.

Working for us will involve wellies, because we firmly believe that everything is better outdoors!

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Embracing diversity is an essential part of the work of The Ernest Cook Trust. We are committed to treating everyone as a unique individual, fairly and with respect, irrespective of race, disability, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or religion. We are committed to ensuring equality, respect, and safety for all, and prioritising the wellbeing of the children, young people and vulnerable adults we support. Our safeguarding policy can be found here.

The appointment will be subject to satisfactory background checks including Disclosure and Barring Service and relevant online searches to comply with best practices in Safeguarding, and proof of the right to work in the UK.

Role: Head of Fundraising Planning

Location: London, Haig House, Hybrid 2 Days Per Week

Contract Type: Fixed Term: 12 Month Maternity Cover

Hours: Full Time, 35 Hours Per Week

Salary: £64,122 to £65,780 (Inclusive of London Supplement)

Do you want a role driving strategic, impactful change, leading an exciting and developing team to work across fundraising?

Right now, we are looking for a high performing senior fundraising leader to take on the role of Head of Fundraising Planning (maternity cover) at Royal British Legion. This senior role is an essential part of the fundraising leadership team, working to drive our strategic development and the implementation of some key projects across the department.

Leading a team of 7 with four managers, as Head of Fundraising Planning you will  lead our approach to Customer Journeys, Case for Support, Portfolio Review, Innovation, Integrated Planning and Compliance.

It is an exciting time for fundraising at RBL. We are now one year into our Fundraising Strategy and have been evolving our ways of working and programme to drive growth. This role will help drive further change, championing supporter experience and bringing together organisational and sector insight.

The Royal British Legion holds a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of people in society.  As the largest military charity in the UK and home of the Poppy Appeal it has provided support to members of the Armed Forces community for over 100 years.

Today is no different. The needs of veterans, young and old, serving personal and their families are growing. To support them we must raise awareness and donations, and that is where you could come in.

As Head of Fundraising Planning, you will help deliver significant income growth to enable RBL to support more veterans and their families. With exceptional communication skills, a commitment to a great supporter experience and a strong ability to influence and bring people onside, you will use your highly developed programme and project management skills to align multiple team demands to meet the strategic need. 

We are home of the extraordinary Poppy Appeal and you will work alongside a dedicated fundraising team who help to bring to life this nationwide remembrance activity each year, which is the largest, longest and most memorable appeal in society. 

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

In your application and interview, demonstrate your empathy with the Legion's mission, strong strategic planning skills, proficiency in program management, and ability to identify and address risks effectively. Showcase your excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities, along with your track record of driving continuous improvement and delivering results.

Here at RBL, we aim to support our people and their wellbeing, with a package including generous paid holiday allowance and pension scheme contributions, and a range of optional benefits and discounts.

You will be contracted to our London Hub, Haig House. Under our Future Working framework, there will be some flexibility for working remotely/at home, using our collaboration tools to work with colleagues, but with a minimum expectation of two days/week connecting directly face-to-face with colleagues at the hub

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Closing Date: 6th May 2024

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Join a team with a bold mission – at Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind, we are dedicated to reshaping the landscape of mental health and emotional wellbeing in our community. The Rough Sleeper Practitioner will be the forefront of a critical support system for people experiencing homelessness. You will be working with people with mental health needs, offering wellbeing support to rough sleepers identified in the borough.

What You'll Do:

- Collaboration and Efficiency: Work hand-in-hand with existing Mental Health Provision. well as other local agencies/organisations to effectively support young people transitioning from services.

- Innovation and Empowerment: Channel your passion into providing evidence-based interventions, elevating the mental health and emotional well-being of the people we serve, while opening doors to life's possibilities.

Why Join Us:

• Impact Matters: Join a team where your work directly transforms lives and contributes to a healthier community.

• Personal Growth: We offer professional development opportunities that will enrich your career and help shape the future of mental health services in Swindon.

• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a meaningful impact.

Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for Swindon. Your contribution can make all the difference.

The Finance Manager is responsible for the day to day operation, management & control of the finance function, including the completion of all finance tasks including financial & management accounting. Reports directly to the Executive Director.

The post holder will have ambition and enthusiasm to drive change in the department to meet the needs of an evolving organisation.They will need experience of working closely with budget holders and ensuring financial processes are embedded.

The Finance Manager is responsible for the day to day operation, accuracy and integrity of the financial accounting systems within the organisation. They are responsible for producing monthly accounts, undertaking variance analysis and implementing financial controls

Responsibilities

Annual Audit
• Overseeing the preparation of the annual audit pack and the statutory audit process.
• Management of the annual audit, liaising with BFT’s auditors.
Financial Planning
• Work as necessary with the Executive Director in drawing up annual company budgets, production budgets, annual operating plans and cash-flows, and long-term financial planning.

Monthly Management Accounts
• Report against annual budget on a monthly basis.
• Accuracy and completeness of data input
• Maintaining Purchase ledger and supplier information.
• Supplier payments.
• Petty cash payments, control, reconciliation and filing.
• Assisting on the export and creation of financial reporting.

Reporting and Accounts
• All financial accounting duties.
• Production of draft Monthly Management accounts for the Belarus Free Theatre.
Person Specification
They will be a good communicator, with the ability to work with a range of staff across all departments, have excellent analytical and spreadsheet skills, hands on experience as well as a formal accounting qualification (or part qualification) such as AAT or ACCA/CIMA.
Essential
• Full or part qualified ACCA/CIMA (or equivalent)
• Experience of Sage Line 50 and Sage payroll
• Excellent and proven IT skills including excel (vlookup, pivot tables etc)
• Accounts preparation to TB and Management Accounts
• A proven track record of managing finance in a small to medium sized organisation
• An understanding of Charity VAT, TTR and PAYE
• Experience of Charity Accounts and SORP
• A good communicator and advocate for the department
• Enthusiastic team player and internal communicator
• Efficient and methodical
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Responsible and reliable
• Ability to work across tight deadlines and manage a diverse workload
Desirable
• Experience of dealing with transactions in other countries
• Experience of production and or project accounting
• Experience of charity and/or arts environment
• Experience of preparation of quarterly VAT return including partial exemption calculations
• 3 years managerial

Request our candidate pack for further details about Belarus Free Theatre and the responsibilities of the role. The Candidate pack is available in audio and BSL formats.

Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:

• Can this be stopped?

• How do I (or my child) live this life?

The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation on 1st April 2023 will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we’ll be the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss.

We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of sight loss. This ambition includes retail growth plans and an income generation strategy to open more shops over the next 5 years. We currently operate 11 shops selling donated goods, including an online eBay shop.

We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team as we devise and launch a new five-year strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.

The East Sheen Shop Manager will play a crucial role in the future growth of our newly merged charity and the impact that we can achieve through partnership for people with sight loss.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Responsible to

Area Manager

Direct reports

Immediately responsible for recruiting and developing a team of dedicated volunteers. In due course the role and responsibilities may grow in line with organisational growth and priorities.

Working hours and contract

Permanent, part-time

21 hours per week over three days, primarily weekends but flexible over a seven-day rota

Salary

£23,933 pro-rata plus OTE Bonus

Location

East Sheen

Role Responsibilities:

Purpose of Job

· To coach, lead and manage a team of volunteers

· Drive sales performance to exceed targets, maximising cost efficiency

· Maximise shop profits through delivery of the retail strategy, including income, gift aid donor sign up and conversion, donations and other income generators.

· To achieve compliance with relevant regulation e.g., health and safety and safeguarding, whilst adhering to all policies and procedures

· To promote strong relations within the local community to enhance the profile and good name of the charity

Main Responsibilities

· To deliver shop income plan

· To achieve gift aid income objectives, donor sign up and conversion. Improving processes to deliver maximum value, coaching colleagues to success

· To support and manage volunteer pricing to ensure items are processed in line with policies and procedures, recognising and thanking the team for their contribution

· To develop a culture of ownership and follow up within own team and volunteers

· To adhere to safe, legal & secure requirements and standards for the shop, both front and back of house

· To induct, train and coach new colleagues, as evidenced through induction paperwork and development plans

· To role model and promote effective team communication, celebrating success and sharing best practice

· To liaise closely with the Warehouse Manager, Area Support and Volunteer Manager and Area Manager

· To role model exceptional customer service to supporters and donors, providing feedback in a timely manner

· To ensure the highest standards of customer care and service are demonstrated by self, line reports and volunteers

· Promote, monitor and act on internal and external customer feedback

· To evidence effective local networking to generate donations and volunteer engagement, including local business and other stakeholders

· To monitor and check security of stock and debrief variances with the Area Manager

· To proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities to enhance contribution to Retail objectives and operations

· To take ownership of good housekeeping for all areas of responsibility

· To accept responsibility and carry out any other task commensurate to the role

Person specification:

Skills, knowledge & experience

Sales and Profit

· Monitor and be accountable for sales and category performance, as well as ensure that the team are aware of and engaged in the shop’s financial performance

· Foster a creative and entrepreneurial shop environment where team members seek to maximise income in new and innovative ways both within the shop and through a variety of channels, such as community events

· Manage the team to maximise income from Gift Aid on donated products

· Ensure that all of Vision Foundation financial procedures are adhered to and executed in a timely fashion by the shop team

Shop Floor

· Ensure sourcing sufficient levels of donated stock locally in collaboration with the shop team

· Establish efficient and commercially successful stock processing systems (such as pricing, quality standards, consumer safety, stock density and culling stock), including backroom systems and ensure these are adhered to by the volunteer team. Ensure that all legal and Vision Foundation internal regulations regarding donated stock are adhered to

· Inspire the team to provide a great customer and donor experience, which enables The Vision Foundation to attract new supporters every day. Ensure that feedback, including complaints are escalated to the Area Manager within the agreed timeframes

· Empower the team to create original, appropriate and commercially successful visual merchandising displays, including shop windows

· Make sure that all procedures for the sale of new products are followed by the volunteer team (if applicable)

· Work with the Area Manager to ensure our shops are in good condition, maximise their potential and are fit for purpose

· Provide a safe and healthy working environment and ensure that all team members are aware of and operate within Vision Foundation’s health and safety policies and procedures, including waste management and customer safety

Leadership - Volunteers

· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.

· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.

· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution

Leadership - Paid Staff

· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.

· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.

· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution.

Management - being part of Vision Foundation

· Play active part in the charity, including attending and contributing to all-staff meetings

· Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent Vision Foundation and increase the knowledge of the local community about our mission and work

· Be accountable for the integration of the shop into the local community in collaboration with the shop team

· Empower the team to respond to all appeals and fundraising opportunities.

· Adhere to and enforce Vision Foundation’s safeguarding policies.

Other

· Required to adhere to Vision Foundation’s vision, mission and values

· Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equality, diversity, and staff health and wellbeing principles

Personal qualities

· The ability to work under pressure whilst remaining calm and organised

· To be receptive to change and to act as a change agent

· The ability to maintain excellent rapport with staff, volunteers, supporters, and donors

· To demonstrate a calm and logical approach to problem solving

· To consistently demonstrate a dedicated approach to the quality of customer service and team working.

· Comfortable working in a small team both strategically and operationally

· Commitment to teamwork, business partnering and a collegiate approach – with a ‘can do’ attitude and a sense of humour.

· Able to provide positive, dynamic, tenacious and flexible leadership at all times.

· Results-driven, able to measure and quantify own outcomes.

· Adaptable to changing landscape and evolving organisation.

· Willing and able to operate at pace in an organisation going through rapid change, using your initiative and delivering to tight deadlines

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Highly organised with ability to plan effectively and allocate resources appropriately.

· An understanding of and commitment to London’s blind and partially sighted people.

Flexibility

· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the newly merged charity develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.

Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:

• Can this be stopped?

• How do I (or my child) live this life?

The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation on 1st April 2023 will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we’ll be the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss.

We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of sight loss. This ambition includes retail growth plans and an income generation strategy to open more shops over the next 5 years. We currently operate 11 shops selling donated goods, including an online eBay shop.

We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team as we devise and launch a new five-year strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.

The East Sheen Shop Manager will play a crucial role in the future growth of our newly merged charity and the impact that we can achieve through partnership for people with sight loss.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Responsible to

Area Manager

Direct reports

Immediately responsible for recruiting and developing a team of dedicated volunteers. In due course the role and responsibilities may grow in line with organisational growth and priorities.

Working hours and contract

Permanent, full-time

Salary

£26,750, plus OTE Bonus

Location

East Sheen

Role Responsibilities:

Purpose of Job

· To coach, lead and manage a team of volunteers

· Drive sales performance to exceed targets, maximising cost efficiency

· Maximise shop profits through delivery of the retail strategy, including income, gift aid donor sign up and conversion, donations and other income generators.

· To achieve compliance with relevant regulation e.g., health and safety and safeguarding, whilst adhering to all policies and procedures

· To promote strong relations within the local community to enhance the profile and good name of the charity

Main Responsibilities

· To deliver shop income plan

· To achieve gift aid income objectives, donor sign up and conversion. Improving processes to deliver maximum value, coaching colleagues to success

· To support and manage volunteer pricing to ensure items are processed in line with policies and procedures, recognising and thanking the team for their contribution

· To develop a culture of ownership and follow up within own team and volunteers

· To adhere to safe, legal & secure requirements and standards for the shop, both front and back of house

· To induct, train and coach new colleagues, as evidenced through induction paperwork and development plans

· To role model and promote effective team communication, celebrating success and sharing best practice

· To liaise closely with the Warehouse Manager, Area Support and Volunteer Manager and Area Manager

· To role model exceptional customer service to supporters and donors, providing feedback in a timely manner

· To ensure the highest standards of customer care and service are demonstrated by self, line reports and volunteers

· Promote, monitor and act on internal and external customer feedback

· To evidence effective local networking to generate donations and volunteer engagement, including local business and other stakeholders

· To monitor and check security of stock and debrief variances with the Area Manager

· To proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities to enhance contribution to Retail objectives and operations

· To take ownership of good housekeeping for all areas of responsibility

· To accept responsibility and carry out any other task commensurate to the role

Person specification:

Skills, knowledge & experience

Sales and Profit

· Monitor and be accountable for sales and category performance, as well as ensure that the team are aware of and engaged in the shop’s financial performance

· Foster a creative and entrepreneurial shop environment where team members seek to maximise income in new and innovative ways both within the shop and through a variety of channels, such as community events

· Manage the team to maximise income from Gift Aid on donated products

· Ensure that all of Vision Foundation financial procedures are adhered to and executed in a timely fashion by the shop team

Shop Floor

· Ensure sourcing sufficient levels of donated stock locally in collaboration with the shop team

· Establish efficient and commercially successful stock processing systems (such as pricing, quality standards, consumer safety, stock density and culling stock), including backroom systems and ensure these are adhered to by the volunteer team. Ensure that all legal and Vision Foundation internal regulations regarding donated stock are adhered to

· Inspire the team to provide a great customer and donor experience, which enables The Vision Foundation to attract new supporters every day. Ensure that feedback, including complaints are escalated to the Area Manager within the agreed timeframes

· Empower the team to create original, appropriate and commercially successful visual merchandising displays, including shop windows

· Make sure that all procedures for the sale of new products are followed by the volunteer team (if applicable)

· Work with the Area Manager to ensure our shops are in good condition, maximise their potential and are fit for purpose

· Provide a safe and healthy working environment and ensure that all team members are aware of and operate within Vision Foundation’s health and safety policies and procedures, including waste management and customer safety

Leadership - Volunteers

· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.

· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.

· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution

Leadership - Paid Staff

· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.

· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.

· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution.

Management - being part of Vision Foundation

· Play active part in the charity, including attending and contributing to all-staff meetings

· Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent Vision Foundation and increase the knowledge of the local community about our mission and work

· Be accountable for the integration of the shop into the local community in collaboration with the shop team

· Empower the team to respond to all appeals and fundraising opportunities.

· Adhere to and enforce Vision Foundation’s safeguarding policies.

Other

· Required to adhere to Vision Foundation’s vision, mission and values

· Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equality, diversity, and staff health and wellbeing principles

Personal qualities

· The ability to work under pressure whilst remaining calm and organised

· To be receptive to change and to act as a change agent

· The ability to maintain excellent rapport with staff, volunteers, supporters, and donors

· To demonstrate a calm and logical approach to problem solving

· To consistently demonstrate a dedicated approach to the quality of customer service and team working.

· Comfortable working in a small team both strategically and operationally

· Commitment to teamwork, business partnering and a collegiate approach – with a ‘can do’ attitude and a sense of humour.

· Able to provide positive, dynamic, tenacious and flexible leadership at all times.

· Results-driven, able to measure and quantify own outcomes.

· Adaptable to changing landscape and evolving organisation.

· Willing and able to operate at pace in an organisation going through rapid change, using your initiative and delivering to tight deadlines

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Highly organised with ability to plan effectively and allocate resources appropriately.

· An understanding of and commitment to London’s blind and partially sighted people.

Flexibility

· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the newly merged charity develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.