Family services jobs

High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Community Action to join our senior management team and lead one of our core service areas.

This is an exciting and important role within our work, continually shaped by the needs and priorities of the communities we work alongside. While the focus of our Community Action service evolves year on year, it always centres on social action, capacity building, and strengthening community voice.

This coming year will see this work expand rapidly, following High Trees’ successful bid to deliver the local authority contract for capacity building support to voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations across Lambeth. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in this area – although more important are the leadership, skills and aptitude to successfully oversee the delivery of this vital workstream. The service also plays a central role in driving forward social action within our flagship partnerships, including Building Young Brixton, the Lambeth Peer Action Collective, and the Lambeth Community Research Network – helping to ensure communities take a leading role in action linked to research and advocacy.

The Head of Community Action leads on a diverse range of areas, which shift each year in response to community needs and opportunities to strengthen civic voice and local infrastructures. In recent years, this has included supporting residents to lead community organising campaigns to improve the built environment, coordinating digital inclusion initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic, capacity building Tenants and Residents Associations and supporting the creation of local neighbourhood plans that put residents’ voices at the centre of decision-making.

As part of High Trees’ senior management team, the Head of Community Action will not only oversee delivery in their service area, but also help shape organisational strategy, grow partnerships and income, and ensure we work as one High Trees – keeping our practice responsive, collaborative, and always led by community need.

About High Trees

Based in Tulse Hill, High Trees has been rooted in the local community for over 27 years. We delivery community action, employment, education, youth services and community research, working in partnership with local people and local organisations, to build stronger communities and create meaningful change. We are recognised for our collaborative, long-term approach and our ability to adapt and respond to the issues that matter most to local people.

About the role

As Head of Community Action, you will:

• Lead and inspire our Community Action team to deliver high-impact, community-led work.
• Oversee a portfolio of projects and contracts, ensuring they are delivered to time, budget, and quality.
• Drive forward High Trees’ new local authority contract for capacity building support across Lambeth’s VCS.
• Work collaboratively across High Trees and with our partnership projects to support impactful community action and capacity building support.
• Support and develop High Trees’ consultancy and volunteering offer, including corporate social responsibility partnerships.
• Contribute as a member of High Trees’ senior management team, ensuring a joined-up approach across all our services.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience in community organising, social action, or community development.
• A proven track record of leading teams and managing complex projects.
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to balance day-to-day delivery with long-term vision.
• A passion for collaboration, and supporting communities to have a stronger voice.

Why join us? This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a values-led organisation at a time of growth and ambition. You will shape meaningful, responsive community action work and be part of a collaborative team dedicated to creating lasting change.

University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement is seeking a Project Officer to join its Medical Sciences Development team. This opportunity comes at an exciting time as we are expanding the team in response to increased donor interest in the world-leading research and teaching being undertaken across the Medical Sciences at Oxford.

 About the role:

A team player, you will have outstanding written communication and work alongside the wider team and academics to develop funding proposals, donors reports and briefing documents. You will organise donor cultivation and stewardship visits and work on special projects including special events and campaign activities.

To be successful you’ll need:

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, enthusiastic individual who has meticulous attention to detail and enjoys producing written communication. This is a perfect role for someone who is interested in building their career in fundraising or communications, has a willingness to learn and is good at building relationships.

What we offer:

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

· Flexible hybrid working

· An excellent contributory pension scheme

· 38 days annual leave

· Membership to CASE

· Training and development opportunities

· A comprehensive range of childcare services

· Family leave schemes

· Cycle loan scheme

· Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

· Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Job Title: Employment Consultant (South Central England – covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Avon, Oxfordshire)

Location: Home-based with significant travel across designated region

Salary: £33,174

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week (part time or flexible working options considered)

Contract: 2 years fixed term with possibility of extension

Would you like to be inspired every day in a highly rewarding role? Whether it’s the veterans we support, your colleagues or the other services that we collaborate with, you will be working with an exceptional group of people.

At the Poppy Factory, we help armed forces veterans with health conditions to find meaningful and sustainable employment after service. This often means overcoming significant barrier to employment. Our aim is to empower veterans, help them to recognise their unique skills and give them the confidence to move forwards in their career.

As an Employment Consultant, you will be assisting veterans across the region back into work. Based at your home, but with extensive travel, you will help with application materials, overcome challenges, and connect with employers. You will also work alongside professionals in other services such as health or welfare to ensure that the veterans have access to all the support they need to overcome barriers to gain and retain employment.

What do we need from you?

• Empathetic and effective communicator. You will be comfortable building rapport and trust with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• A collaborative mindset. You will enjoy working as part of a team with colleagues based across the UK who support each other in what can sometimes be a challenging role. You will also work closely with many other organisations for the benefit of the veterans you will be supporting.
• Motivation and commitment. It takes hard work, tenacity and time to help people reach their employment goals. You will sometimes be helping people in challenging circumstances who need intensive support to move forwards.
• This is hugely varied role and no two days are the same. You will often need to balance competing priorities or quickly shift focus depending on the needs of the people you will be supporting.
• Experience of and confidence in supporting people with complex challenges such as, health issues, substance use, insecure housing, criminal records, or other barriers to employment.
• You will be an emotionally resilient individual who can effectively navigate challenging circumstances and provide unwavering support to those in need.

Why should you apply?

• A chance to give back to our armed forces and make a positive and lasting impact to the lives of veterans and their families.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including generous holiday and pension contributions.
• A welcoming and empowering culture, with regular opportunities for team connecting and shared learning throughout the year.
• Variety in the role, a mix of travelling in your area, home working and occasional visits to the historic Poppy Factory in Richmond, London
• The opportunity to develop your region and build relationships with employers and other support services that best meet the needs of the people you’re supporting.
• Be part of an iconic charity with a 100+ year history

For further information, including the full job description for the role, please refer to the candidate pack.

How to apply

To apply for this position please prepare your CV and a covering letter clearly outlining how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification as set out above and submit via the online application process. Please address your covering letter to Kirsty Gronow, Services Manager.

For an informal conversation to find out more about this role, please call Kirsty Gronow.

Please note, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

No agencies please.

Equality & Diversity

We are committed to equality, valuing diversity, and promoting inclusion within our workforce, including the volunteers who give their time to us.  We work to maintain an environment where the needs and aspirations of all employees are met, irrespective of characteristics protected under the legislative framework of the Equality Act 2010. We expect everyone to understand and accept their personal responsibility to recognise and value differences and the unique contributions that people make to the way we deliver our work.

As an equal opportunities employer our commitment is to take positive measures to recruit people from underrepresented groups, and we actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview for any job applicant with a disability who meets the essential criteria for the role. Please indicate in your covering letter if you wish to be considered under this scheme. We are also happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process to accommodate disabled candidates.

Additionally, we offer a guaranteed interview to veterans of the UK armed forces or members of the Reservist forces who meet the essential role criteria. Please make it clear in your application if you wish to be considered on this basis. Please note, to be eligible for consideration under this scheme your application must demonstrate that you meet the essential role criteria as set out in the person specification.

We are a family friendly employer and happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. We encourage applicants to contact us to discuss if they have any questions before applying.

About The Poppy Factory

The Poppy Factory aims to be an exemplar employer. We recognise the impact that working with a challenging cohort can have on our staff, which is why we prioritise work/life balance and support mechanisms including training, supervision and EAP provision.

The Poppy Factory provides competitive terms and conditions of employment, including:

• Opportunity for home-based/hybrid and flexible working
• 28 days’ basic annual leave per year (including a day in lieu of Armistice Day, and 3 days’ Christmas closure), rising to 32 days with long service, plus bank holidays
• Double-matched pension contributions up to 10% employer contribution

Join Our Team as Regional Community Fundraising Manager

Location: Hybrid working with a base at either Head Office, Newcastle or Leeds ‘Homes from Home’ 
Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week across 3 days

Are you a passionate fundraiser who thrives on building connections and inspiring communities to make a difference? Do you have the vision and energy to lead a team and grow a vital income stream for a cause that transforms lives?

We’re looking for a Regional Community Fundraising Manager to lead our national community fundraising programme. This exciting role will be at the heart of our mission, engaging with families, schools, volunteers, committees, and local organisations to raise funds and awareness for our charity.

You’ll not only support and inspire community fundraisers but also provide leadership to our Community Fundraising Officers, empowering them to achieve outstanding results in their regions.

This is a varied, relational, and rewarding role – perfect for someone who loves meeting people, developing partnerships, and creating meaningful connections that last.

For full details of the role, please see the recruitment pack.

Our vision is to work to a future where every family with a seriously ill child in hospital will be able to stay together, just minutes from their child’s bed during their treatment. If you strongly believe you can contribute, then join us and we will give you every opportunity to succeed.

To apply please submit your CV with a covering letter demonstrating how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification.

If you’re ready to use your skills, creativity, and passion to drive community fundraising forward, we’d love to hear from you.

We look forward to hearing from you. Closing date: 10 October 

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experience Business Development Marketing professional to join our team.

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Community Rehabilitation Service. We are the largest centre commissioned by NHS England for Category A neurorehabilitation.

This role is pivotal in leading on developing commissioning and referral relationships with external stakeholders, whilst driving development of services and marketing activities to build and promote new business, increase income, strengthen pipelines, and position The Children's Trust as the provider of choice for children with acquired brain injury and neurodisability. 

You’ll work alongside a cross-organisational team to promote our services to external stakeholders, in particular managing our key account plan to influence, maximise referrals and income generating opportunities. Key to this is cultivating and maintaining relationships with stakeholders including hospital-based clinicians, commissioners at both integrated care boards and local authorities, with professionals with NHS England at a regional and national levels, embassies, medico-legal professionals including case managers and lawyers.

To underpin this, you’ll create, implement and review services-related multi-channel marketing activity, both on and off-line, including development and oversight of our professionals’ events programme, ensuring all activity aligns to, is integrated and works towards delivering our strategic objectives.

You will have the opportunity to develop and implement your expertise in an environment that is focused on the highest clinical and quality standards. You will work in a 24-acre site which is unusual in its beautiful historic nature, as it is unique in its state-of-the-art facilities including robotic technology and virtual reality.

Staff benefits include London weighting, shuttle bus, and more… Read more below

Role Requirements

You’ll play a key and central role in driving promotion of our services, and this requires a balanced mix of both business development and marketing skills, knowledge and experience in a complex, services environment. You’ll be comfortable with matrix working, recognising the importance of this role in working across the organisation to drive referral generating activity.

To succeed in this high profile and diverse role, you must demonstrate:

• Building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders, including commissioning bodies such as NHS England, Integrated Care Boards, Local Authorities. 
• Strong communication and negotiation skills. 
• Marketing of services, preferably within healthcare/social care sector. 
• Managing and reporting on development of services and associated marketing activities, in a structured way.
• Knowledge of commissioning landscapes, within healthcare/social care sector. 
• Proven self-starter and excellent track record in development of services, including driving referrals, building pathways and promoting service.

Interview Date:   To be confirmed

Terms and Conditions

PLEASE NOTE: The Children's Trust Application Form MUST be completed and submitted, for your application to be considered. As part of the shortlisting process, gaps in employment will be examined and further explored during the interview process. 

To apply for this role please click on the apply now button at the bottom of the advert.

Strictly no agencies, please.

As we often receive high levels of applicants for our roles, we regret that we will only be able to contact those applicants who are shortlisted for interviews. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume you have not been shortlisted for an interview on this occasion.

About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.  The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.

Are you passionate about supporting children and families in the early years? Do you combine excellent people skills with a sharp eye for detail and a talent for writing? Do you want to use your skills that will help drive change and positively impact the lives of children? If so, we’d love to hear from you. 

Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham (HSWKCHF) is a highly regarded local charity, committed to giving children the best possible start in life. We’re looking for a kind, capable and proactive individual to join our dynamic and supportive team as Co-Deputy Manager (Operations & Fundraising). 

This is a 12-month role (with potential for extension, subject to funding), full time or 4 days a week, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing your career in the not-for-profit sector. 

About the Role 

As Co-Deputy Manager, you’ll play a key role in shaping and sustaining our services. You’ll lead on operational delivery, contribute to strategic planning, and take the lead on fundraising, communications and volunteers. Your writing skills will be essential in crafting compelling funding bids and reports, and your organisational flair will help us run smoothly and effectively. 

We’re looking for someone who: 

• Is highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. 

• Has experience in fundraising, including developing and implementing strategies. 

• Can write clear, persuasive reports and grant applications. 

• Understands the significant contribution of volunteers.

• Is flexible, collaborative, and committed to our mission. 

What We Offer 

• A genuinely rewarding and positive work environment. 

• A supportive team that values your ideas and encourages personal and professional growth. 

• Flexible working arrangements, including at least one day of homeworking after probation. 

• Ongoing training and development opportunities. 

We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. HSWKCHF is committed to equality, diversity, and safeguarding the welfare of children and adults. 

For full details, please see the attached job description and person specification. 

Working location: mostly remote work with some travel required across the region. Based in the North or East of Scotland, you will deliver a face-to-face service to clients in their own home or safe meeting place, as well as providing support by Teams, phone, email or other means to suit the service user. We take a person-centred approach so the amount of travel will vary depending on your caseload at the time. You’re in control of your own diary. 

The role: This is a rewarding role where every day brings the opportunity to make a positive difference to people's lives. We regularly receive testimonials from service users describing the life-changing impact of receiving support from our caseworkers in the National Road Victim Service.

Who We Are: Brake has been supporting victims of road carnage since 1995, and we're on a mission to prevent future collisions. Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on our roads, impacting lives profoundly.

Join Our Team: We're expanding our National Road Victim Service and need a dedicated Caseworker to join our dynamic, compassionate team. Your role will involve delivering world-class support services to those at their most vulnerable.

Why this role is important: Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads. For families affected, the emotional and practical challenges are immense. As a Caseworker, you will provide trauma-informed care to individuals and families suffering from the sudden bereavement or life-altering injury of a loved one. Working mostly remotely, with some home visits to service users, you’ll offer vital emotional and practical support—including helping them access therapeutic resources, financial assistance, and guidance through the complexities of medical and legal processes. 

What We Offer:

· A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day end of year shutdown period)

· An extra day off for your birthday to take whenever you choose

· Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave

· Death in service benefit

· Pension

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Flexible working

· Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees

Who You Are: We need passionate, self-starters with a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Your experience in roles like police, criminal justice, counselling, or health and social care could make you a perfect fit.

Specifically Seeking Candidates With:

- Living in the North or East of Scotland

- a full, clean UK driving licence, access to your own transport and are willing to use it for work purposes (we reimburse travelling expenses) 

- Experience delivering frontline support, preferably involving sudden bereavement or heightened vulnerabilities. 

- Understanding of criminal justice processes (desirable but not essential)

- Research and advocacy skills

- Resilience and willingness to grow

- Competent I.T. skills for remote work

Join Our Mission: Your greatest reward will be knowing you've made a positive difference in someone's recovery from psychological trauma.

About Us: Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. We particularly welcome applications from those who are part of the global majority, the LGBTQIA+ community or disabled. We don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it. So, if you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we would love to hear from you.

Apply Now: If you're up for a new challenge and have the skills, apply now.

Not for Traffic Offenders: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from serious traffic offenders. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at interview.

A DBS check is required due to the sensitive nature of our service.

Join us today and be part of the solution! 

Brief Description/Summary

As Patient Service Co-ordinator you will be responsible for managing referrals from our service users, who are all those affected by kidney disease in Wales, including children, youths, adults, and families. You will build and maintain constructive working relationships with people who use our services, people with kidney disease, carers, colleagues, and community networks

Our Patient Service Co-ordinator acts as a vital liaison, responsible for managing all referrals from our service users, identifying the support needed, facilitating appointments for peer support and counselling, communicating between patients, referrers, volunteer peer mentors and counsellors. Referring patients to internal services as well as external organisations. Other duties include providing general advice and guidance, developing links with external providers, organisation or individuals that can support our kidney community of Wales, administrative support include assisting accessing healthcare services, maintaining referral records, and resolving referral concerns to support efficient and effective care.

As Patient Services Co-ordinator you will also build relationships with Health Care Professionals to help raise awareness of our services, building our referral partners to ensure all patients are supported at the point of need.

Salary is Grade 1 to Grade 2, based on a 40 hour work week with paid breaks. It is also based on experience.

Job Title: Employment Consultant (North Wales)

Location: Home-based with significant travel across designated region

Salary: £32,208 (+ cost of living increase in October 2025)

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week (part time or flexible working options considered)

Contract: 2 years fixed term with possibility of extension

Would you like to be inspired every day in a highly rewarding role? Whether it’s the veterans we support, your colleagues or the other services that we collaborate with, you will be working with an exceptional group of people.

At the Poppy Factory, we help armed forces veterans with health conditions to find meaningful and sustainable employment after service. This often means overcoming significant barrier to employment. Our aim is to empower veterans, help them to recognise their unique skills and give them the confidence to move forwards in their career.

As an Employment Consultant, you will be assisting veterans across the region back into work. Based at your home, but with extensive travel, you will help with application materials, overcome challenges, and connect with employers. You will also work alongside professionals in other services such as health or welfare to ensure that the veterans have access to all the support they need to overcome barriers to gain and retain employment.

What do we need from you?

• Empathetic and effective communicator. You will be comfortable building rapport and trust with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• A collaborative mindset. You will enjoy working as part of a team with colleagues based across the UK who support each other in what can sometimes be a challenging role. You will also work closely with many other organisations for the benefit of the veterans you will be supporting.
• Motivation and commitment. It takes hard work, tenacity and time to help people reach their employment goals. You will sometimes be helping people in challenging circumstances who need intensive support to move forwards.
• This is hugely varied role and no two days are the same. You will often need to balance competing priorities or quickly shift focus depending on the needs of the people you will be supporting.
• Experience of and confidence in supporting people with complex challenges such as, health issues, substance use, insecure housing, criminal records, or other barriers to employment.
• You will be an emotionally resilient individual who can effectively navigate challenging circumstances and provide unwavering support to those in need.

Why should you apply?

• A chance to give back to our armed forces and make a positive and lasting impact to the lives of veterans and their families.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including generous holiday and pension contributions.
• A welcoming and empowering culture, with regular opportunities for team connecting and shared learning throughout the year.
• Variety in the role, a mix of travelling in your area, home working and occasional visits to the historic Poppy Factory in Richmond, London
• The opportunity to develop your region and build relationships with employers and other support services that best meet the needs of the people you’re supporting.
• Be part of an iconic charity with a 100+ year history

For further information, including the full job description for the role, please refer to the candidate pack.

How to apply

To apply for this position please prepare your CV and a covering letter clearly outlining how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification as set out above and submit via the online application process. Please address your covering letter to Kirsty Gronow, Services Manager.

For an informal conversation to find out more about this role, please call Kirsty Gronow.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only applications submitted through the online process will be considered. 

No agencies please.

Equality & Diversity

We are committed to equality, valuing diversity, and promoting inclusion within our workforce, including the volunteers who give their time to us.  We work to maintain an environment where the needs and aspirations of all employees are met, irrespective of characteristics protected under the legislative framework of the Equality Act 2010. We expect everyone to understand and accept their personal responsibility to recognise and value differences and the unique contributions that people make to the way we deliver our work.

As an equal opportunities employer our commitment is to take positive measures to recruit people from underrepresented groups, and we actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview for any job applicant with a disability who meets the essential criteria for the role. Please indicate in your covering letter if you wish to be considered under this scheme. We are also happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process to accommodate disabled candidates.

Additionally, we offer a guaranteed interview to veterans of the UK armed forces or members of the Reservist forces who meet the essential role criteria. Please make it clear in your application if you wish to be considered on this basis. Please note, to be eligible for consideration under this scheme your application must demonstrate that you meet the essential role criteria as set out in the person specification.

We are a family friendly employer and happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. We encourage applicants to contact us to discuss if they have any questions before applying.

About The Poppy Factory

The Poppy Factory aims to be an exemplar employer. We recognise the impact that working with a challenging cohort can have on our staff, which is why we prioritise work/life balance and support mechanisms including training, supervision and EAP provision.

The Poppy Factory provides competitive terms and conditions of employment, including:

• Opportunity for home-based/hybrid and flexible working
• 28 days’ basic annual leave per year (including a day in lieu of Armistice Day, and 3 days’ Christmas closure), rising to 32 days with long service, plus bank holidays
• Double-matched pension contributions up to 10% employer contribution

Senior Practitioner - Bracknell
Location: The Courthouse, Broadway, Bracknell, RG12 1AE
Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: £23,613 per year (FTE)
Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2026

Are you looking for a role where every day is different, every child is celebrated, and your impact is immediate?
Join us as a Senior Practitioner and help create joyful, inclusive play opportunities for disabled children and young people. You’ll lead with creativity, support families with compassion, and inspire a team that’s passionate about making a difference.

Senior Practitioner – Supporting Disabled Children, Young People & Families

Make play possible. Make inclusion real. Make a difference. 

We’re looking for a Senior Practitioner who is passionate about empowering disabled children, young people, and their families. This isn’t just a role—it’s a chance to lead, inspire, and create joyful experiences that build confidence, connection, and belonging.

What makes this role exciting?

• Impact with purpose: You’ll directly shape services that bring fun, freedom, and opportunity to children and young people.
• Leadership with heart: From mentoring staff to leading sessions, you’ll grow your leadership skills while making a visible difference.
• Creativity every day: Plan, deliver, and adapt activities that spark imagination and celebrate every child’s unique abilities.
• Collaboration that counts: Work hand-in-hand with families, schools, health and social care professionals, and community partners.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing and leading inclusive play and social activities where children’s voices guide the fun.
• Providing dedicated 1:1 support for children with multiple and complex needs.
• Mentoring and supporting play staff and volunteers to deliver their best.
• Taking the lead on outings and external visits, making new adventures possible.
• Acting as site manager when needed, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.
• Keeping records and plans up to date, making sure families are involved every step of the way.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience working with disabled children, young people, and families.
• A track record of planning and delivering engaging group activities.
• Strong communication skills that adapt to children, parents, carers, and professionals alike.
• Confidence to work independently, problem solve, and use your initiative.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, equal opportunities, and the real-life challenges families may face.
• A minimum of GCSEs/NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent).

Why you’ll love it here

You’ll join a supportive, passionate team where your ideas matter and your work changes lives. We’ll invest in your training and development, celebrate your successes, and give you the freedom to shape services that truly put children and families first.

Why Join Kids?

We’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community. We care about your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. Here’s what we offer:

The Good Stuff/Benefits

• Join a company that truly cares about your wellbeing
• Enjoy an enviable annual leave package, starting at a generous 25 days and growing each year up to 30 days.
• Option to buy an additional 5 days holiday.
• Enjoy your entitlement to Bank Holidays.
• We've got your back with Maternity and Paternity Pay.
• Rest easy knowing you're covered with our Death in Service plan.
• Invest in your pension plan with the option to top it up knowing that Kids is also contributing 3%.
• Achieve work-life harmony with flexible hours tailored to your needs.
• Unlock exclusive discounts by taking up membership of a perks discount site
• Spread the word and reap the rewards with our enticing "Recommend a Friend" scheme.
• Access confidential support and expert guidance 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, helping you navigate both personal and professional challenges.
• Take care of yourself with Company Sick Pay which you are entitled to from your first day.
• 5 days of paid family/carers leave.
• Salary sacrifice schemes available
• Develop your mentoring skills by either being a mentor or signing up for our mentoring programme.
• Expand your horizons with Kids’ online learning platforms, offering a wealth of professional courses for your personal and career development.
• Apprenticeship programmes available for employees
• Benefit from a colleague engagement programme enabling your voice to be heard.
• Lean on us during difficult times with Bereavement Leave.

Safeguarding & Commitment

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. You’ll be trained and supported to uphold the highest standards of safety, care, and inclusion.

Ready to step into a role where every day is different, every child is valued, and your impact is immediate? Apply today and help us create playful, positive experiences that last a lifetime.

Please note that we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Age UK is hiring 6 Customer Advisers to join our National Advice Line!

We are still in a cost-of-living crisis and the proposed changes to the winter fuel payment criteria mean that many older people in the UK are in desperate need of advice and support. As a Customer Adviser, you will be playing an important role in this vital service; providing information and advice for older people in need, and signposting them, their families, carers and other professionals to relevant bodies that can help with their specific requirements.

Our team of Customer Advisers are dedicated to providing a high-quality service to those in later life and are passionate about ensuring all callers receive the guidance and support they need. The team handles thousands of calls, emails and webchats each year. Some of these enquiries can be emotionally tough, but there is no better feeling than knowing that you have helped someone.

If you are passionate about helping others while providing an excellent customer service, this may be the role for you.

This role offers hybrid working between home and our offices in Blackpool and Ashburton (a robust home broadband connection is essential). The team work from the office at least one day a week, although this can be more if you prefer. You will need to live within an easily commutable distance of the office either by car or public transport, we suggest up to an hour's commute. During the probation and training period you may be required to come into the office 2-3 days a week. We are currently trialling fortnightly office attendance, but this could be subject to change in future.

The Advice Line is open from 8am to 7pm, 365 days of the year and you will be required to work a variety of shifts including some weekends and bank holidays. Full time contracts are for 35 hours per week.

In your Supporting Statement, please include examples of how you meet the Must Have criteria below.

Must haves:

The below competencies will be assessed at the indicated stage of the recruitment process:

Application = A, Interview = I, Test = T, Presentation = P

Experience

* Experience of computer-based systems, applications, and keyboard skills. A, I, T

* Experience of working to set time scales. A, I

Skills and Knowledge

* Ability to communicate with a wide range of people in a professional manner. I

* Ability to deal with difficult and distressed callers calmly and politely. I

* Ability to handle confidential, sensitive information and personal details professionally and in line with current legislation. I

* Commitment to customer care and equal opportunities. A, I

* Good numeracy and literacy skills. A, T

* Accurate data entry skills. A, T

* Excellent communication skills including a confident telephone manner. I

Personal attributes

* Personal resilience in dealing with difficult and distressed callers whilst managing own wellbeing. A, I

* Flexible approach to hours of work. I

Great to haves:

The below competencies will be assessed at the indicated stage of the recruitment process:

Application = A, Interview = I, Test = T, Presentation = P

Experience

• Experience of working in a contact centre or call centre environment. A, I

• Experience of providing information and signposting on a broad range of subjects. A, I

Skills and knowledge

• Knowledge of issues which affect older people. A, I

Additional Information

Supporting statements and anonymisation
Candidates are expected to provide a supporting statement that explains how they meet the competencies annotated with an 'A' in the job description, to assess suitability for the position. Age UK acknowledges and accepts that AI may be used to support the application; we do expect candidates to personalise experience, knowledge and skills and failure to do so, may result in your application being rejected.

Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Reasonable adjustments
Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

At TLG, we’re passionate about building an exceptional staff team that’s committed to making a real difference in the lives of struggling children across the UK. We’re always on the lookout for great people to journey with us towards our vision, and we’re excited to offer a unique opportunity for a motivated and passionate individual to join us as Head of Therapeutic Support.

The Head of Therapeutic Support will provide strategic clinical leadership to TLG’s mission, driving forward our 10-year vision to bring fullness of life for every child, no matter what struggles they face. This pioneering role will shape therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches across the organisation, ensuring consistent, high-quality practice in both existing and new programmes. With deep clinical experience across multiple sectors, the successful candidate will develop scalable, innovative concepts that balance speed, safety, and effectiveness.

As a member of the Wider Leadership Team, reporting to the Director of Programmes, the Head of Therapeutic Support will influence strategy at the highest level, inspire confidence among church partners, statutory agencies, professionals, and other stakeholders, and manage clinical risk across TLG’s community-based services. They will be the authoritative voice on the way TLG works with children and families, ensuring strong ownership and impact throughout the organisation.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: Part-time (22.5 hours per week)

Closing Date: Sunday 2nd November

Initial Interviews: Monday 10th November

Final Interviews: Tuesday 18th / Wednesday 19th November – at our National Support Office in West Yorkshire

Reference Number:  V560

Job Title: Project Manager

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne (Hybrid – office, home, community-based)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 28 hours per week

Salary: £30,000 Full Time Equivalent (£24K pro rata)

DBS/PVG: Enhanced Level DBS

Job Family: Job Family 4

Line Manager: Delivery Leader: Scotland & Northeast England  

Closing Date:             23rd October 2025

Interview Dates: TBC

Start Date: ASAP

Interview Dates: To be confirmed

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications

Volunteering Matters  

Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.

What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.

How we do this

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.

• We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.
   
• We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.
   
• We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.
   
• We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.
   
• We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.

 
Our work across Newcastle
Volunteering Matters play a vital role supporting volunteering in Newcastle. Since 2005, we have been operating Volunteer Centre Newcastle (VCN). This service provides a wide range of support around all things volunteering to 1250+ charities, organisations, and groups locally. Each year, we also support 2500+ members of the public who are interested in volunteering and need support to get started. We also lead the Home from Hospital and Community Support project where volunteers support older people with their transition home following a hospital admission. 

In early 2025, we launched the Good Neighbours Newcastle project funded by Newcastle City Council. We deliver this project alongside our delivery partner organisation, Search Newcastle, with a second partner organisation scheduled to join in early 2026.

Good Neighbours project
We would all like to live in a place that has a sense of community, where people look out for their neighbours. The Good Neighbours project aims to foster a feeling of positive wellbeing and independence for those who may be socially isolated, or who don’t have many people around them, giving that “little bit of help”.

The project helps people in the community feel safe, supported, and more able to live an independent life, whilst preventing, reducing and delaying the need for formal support through Adult Social Care. It also provides people the opportunity to volunteer a little time, in a flexible way, to make a difference in their own community. We know volunteering can lead to enhanced skills, and positive wellbeing. Volunteers provide practical or social support, completing “one-off’ or short-term tasks, supporting a neighbour.  This includes tasks like collecting essentials, driving someone to a GP appointment, helping with odd jobs around the house, light gardening, or checking in with someone for a cuppa and chat. 

Role Purpose
We are looking for a talented, dynamic, and professional Project Manager to join our team in Newcastle.  The right candidate would be someone with excellent knowledge of “best practice” in Volunteer Management and with experience of establishing new and exciting volunteering programmes.

This is a senior role within our Newcastle team so it is essential that the postholder is agile, can work flexibly, is an excellent communicator, and can build strong working relationships with a range of people. 

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Good Neighbours project, meeting ambitious goals, ensuring all volunteers and beneficiaries achieve positive outcomes
   
• Lead and manage our partnerships on a day-to-day level with Search Newcastle and another local charity, to raise the profile of the project, ensuring successful delivery and ongoing development of the work
   
• Manage and lead our use of the volunteer management system, Volunteero, ensuring its effective use across our Newcastle work 

Our Values & Way of Working

In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward. 

Diversity & Inclusion

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter. 

Benefits

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer:

· Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work) 

· Unlimited (paid) Annual Leave allowance

· Employee Pension scheme 

· Life Assurance 

· Cycle to Work Scheme 

· Season Ticket Loan 

· Employee Assistance Programme 

· Enhanced sick and family leave.

· Lifestyle Discount Scheme

We are also open to discussing job share applications.

GDPR Statement

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.

Policy on AI-Generated Applications 

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI. 

To Apply

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.

Right to Work in the UK

Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.

If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help. Whether you're a candidate looking for more information or with an HR query, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

In this role, you'll ensure that every pet finds the perfect match with their new family as quickly as possible, while maintaining top-quality care for both our pets and clients throughout the entire adoption journey. Join us in making a difference, one pet at a time! 

More about the role 

Our Devon centre has a wonderful group of dedicated people with varying skills that meld into one team with one mission: to help as many pets as possible. We help pets through our two main services, Home Direct and our fostering network of over 80 volunteer foster carers.

In this role, you’ll play a key part in ensuring exceptional care for both pets and clients while making well-connected, efficient decisions that prioritise pet welfare. As the leader of our home-based pet operations, you’ll oversee the smooth running of daily activities, acting as the subject matter expert in practical animal handling and assessment. Your goal will be to prepare pets for adoption as quickly and effectively as possible. You’ll work closely with your team to ensure timely pet assessments, behaviour management, and training, while providing full support to foster carers. 

You’ll also be responsible for achieving pet-related targets, ensuring your team of Pet Welfare Assistants and Foster Co-Ordinator's maintains the highest standards of animal care and adheres to national processes in case management. Since we don’t have cattery or kennel facilities, innovation and teamwork are essential to address the most urgent cases effectively. 

Motivating and managing your team is central to this role, enabling the centre to provide top-quality home-based pet care while helping your team develop professionally. 

This is a full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week and you will be required to work 1 in 3 weekends.

About you 

You’ll be a great people manager, bringing finely honed skills from your experience in an animal-related environment, along with expert knowledge of pet welfare and care. 

As a dynamic and innovative leader, you know how to inspire and motivate your team, driving continuous improvement. You’ll lead a team of Pet Welfare Assistants and Foster Coordinators, empowering them through effective management and coaching. 

With excellent communication skills, you adapt your approach for different audiences, ensuring your message resonates. While juggling multiple tasks, you remain calm and organised, making confident decisions in high-pressure situations. 

Your strong analytical skills enable you to monitor and evaluate effectively, implementing meaningful improvements. 

Having worked in emotionally charged environments, you understand the importance of resilience and have excellent “bounce-back ability.” Your emotional intelligence and empathy will shine as you support your team and the public, creating a compassionate and effective workplace. 

Knowledge, skills, and experience   

• Significant experience in managing a team. 

• Significant experience in delivering high level Customer service in a fast-paced environment. 

• Significant subject matter expertise and application of pet welfare and handling of domestic animals 

• High standard of verbal and written communication. 

• Current full driving licence 

• The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values 

It would be great (but not essential) if you also had:   

• Performance management and improvement experience.

• Experience working with volunteers. 

• Understanding of safeguarding issues. 

Want to know more detail? Great! We have attached the job description which hopefully gives you everything you need.   

How to apply  

Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on Sunday 19 October 2025. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.   

Blue Cross benefits    

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.   

In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.   

Our generous benefits package includes:   

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement: 30 days plus bank holidays    

• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution   

• Health cash plan  

• Life assurance   

• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme  

• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support  

• Free access to GP via MetLife  

• Recognition scheme Annual volunteer days 

• Claim for professional fees