Adult services manager jobs

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Head of Risk and Assurance located at our Head Office in Islington.

£60,000.00 - £65,000.00 (depending on experience) per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel in control of your career? You'll feel at home here.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Working with the senior leadership team, Board and CEO office functions to ensure that the organisation has a high standard of compliance with regulatory and legal frameworks, risk management and assurance. This role will also deputise for the Director of Governance and Assurance and Company Secretary.

What you'll do:

1. Manage and develop, as appropriate, systems for identifying, checking and demonstrating effective controls and compliance with all legal and regulatory responsibilities relating to the governance and management of Look Ahead's services, including health and safety, data protection and security, and financial and regulatory reporting.
2. Be Look Ahead's expert on compliance and business assurance, working collaboratively with Directors and Senior Managers to provide support and advice.
3. Keep up to date with legislative, regulatory, and best practice requirements and changes, assessing the risks and potential impact on Look Ahead and advising staff and Board members as appropriate.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

• Positive and proactive approach with a friendly, flexible and approachable manner.
• Diplomatic and works co-operatively with others to get things done, willingly giving help and advice to colleagues

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• Educated to degree level
• Good knowledge of compliance and business assurance processes

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrable experience of advising senior leaders and non-executive directors within a regulated environment
• Knowledge of the housing sector and its statutory and regulatory environment
• Experience of embedding risk management frameworks, driving cultural change, managing or working with a risk and assurance function

Experience

• Compliance and business assurance, or related experience such as business improvement, internal audit or legal
• Experience of working in a regulated environment

About us:

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

Victim Support is seeking a committed and detail-focused Team Leader to help coordinate and maintain excellent support for witnesses within the busy Court environment at Stoke Crown Court and North Staffordshire Justice Centre. You will play a vital role in supporting the Deputy Team Leader, volunteers, and wider service ensuring witnesses receive timely, compassionate, and effective support throughout their justice journey.

This role is permanent working 37.5 hours per week covering Stoke Crown Court and North Staffordshire Justice Centre.

Are you an organised, proactive individual with a passion for supporting victims and witnesses as they navigate the justice system? Do you enjoy working collaboratively, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and supporting others to perform at their best?

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, have strong communication and data-handling skills, and are motivated by service excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

About the role:

At the heart of Camden’s response to street homelessness, the Rough Sleepers Hub Assessment Centre at 165 King’s Cross Road offers people a safe, supportive place to begin their journey away from the streets. With 16 beds and a short-stay model focused on planned moves within 28 days, this service is about momentum, opportunity and change. As a Project Worker, you’ll play a central role in helping people take their next steps towards secure and sustainable housing.

Working in a psychologically informed and trauma-aware environment, you’ll lead a caseload and carry out meaningful assessments that place each person’s experiences, strengths and goals at the centre. You’ll develop personalised support plans, respond thoughtfully to complex situations, and offer practical, hands-on support - from daily living tasks and wellbeing, to housing pathways, training and employment opportunities. You’ll work closely with partners including Connect Forward, In Roads and Camden Routes off the Streets to deliver joined-up, holistic support that makes a real difference.

This is a role with variety, purpose and impact. You’ll be part of a service that supports people at a critical moment of transition, while being supported yourself through reflective practice, ongoing training and clear development pathways. If you’re motivated by change, collaboration and meaningful outcomes, this is a chance to grow your skills while helping others move forward with confidence and hope.

About you:

• You’re driven by helping people move forward. You know how to support someone to set goals, navigate change and stay steady when situations feel tough, responding calmly and thoughtfully when it matters most.
• You bring a trauma-informed, strengths-based mindset to everything you do. You understand professional boundaries and lead with respect, curiosity and a non-judgemental approach.
• You thrive in a busy, fast-moving environment. You manage your time well, take initiative and keep standards high, even when priorities shift and decisions need to happen quickly.
• You believe in the power of partnership. You’re confident working alongside other professionals and services, pulling people together to create joined-up support and real outcomes.
• You’re flexible, reliable and ready to step in when needed. You’re comfortable working across a rota that includes early and late shifts, some evenings and weekends, and you can support people to build financial stability through income maximisation and practical guidance.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Please note applications will be reviewed and suitable candidates offered interviews as applications are received. Therefore please submit your application as soon as possible, we reserve the right to close the advert when a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Please note shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a short psychometric test before being confirmed for interview. 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant. 

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be accepted or progressed. 

This vacancy is restricted to Black and minoritised women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

We reserve the right to close these adverts early if we have sufficient interest, so early applications are encouraged.

Are you driven by a commitment to social justice and equality? Do you want to utilise your expertise to support vulnerable women and children in their fight against inequality and discrimination? Southall Black Sisters has the perfect opportunity for you. We are seeking a dedicated Helpline Coordinator to oversee the day-to-day running of the SBS Helpline, delivering a high-quality advice, information, and support service to Black, minoritised and migrant women and girls experiencing violence against women and girls (VAWG).
To provide direct line management, guidance, and operational support to helpline staff and volunteers, ensuring the service is trauma-informed, safe, and effective..

Why work with Southall Black Sisters?

Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Hybrid working 
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Enhanced sick pay
• Subsidised public transport season ticket
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists 
• Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
• A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
• Organisation-wide away days
• Career development pathways and support
• The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
• Employer eye care scheme

To Apply

Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Deadline: Monday 27th April 2026 at 9:00 am
Interview dates: Thursday 7th and Friday 8th May 2026

As a Fundraising  and Awareness Officer she  will help Pathway to achieve the ambitious income generation targets set by the Board so that we can continue to support clients with the lifesaving services we deliver.

She will lead and shape the drive to build new and maintain existing relationships within the community to generate fundraising opportunities and raise funds with supporters  by building great connections and relationships.

She will lead on engagement with businesses to ensure we have a steady flow of business support and engagement by building solid relationships that re mutually beneficial.

She will have the scope to be creative with fundraising  and awareness ideas and lead on the delivery of these with colleagues.

About Pathway Project

We are a domestic and sexual abuse service based in Lichfield & Tamworth, Staffordshire.

We offer a range of support services and run two refuges in confidential locations.

We have been operating for over 30 years helping adults and children overcome domestic abuse, and to build a future where they live in safety and are free from fear.

Since our founder, Kathy Coe MBE, created Pathway Project, we have helped over 25,000 people, with 5,814 hours of support provided in the last year.

We offer a wide range of services, including adult and children outreach and community support, mental health, wellbeing and financial advice.

We support the relatives of those who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and offer specialist counselling, advocacy and support to all who need us.

Pathway Project believes in working as a cohesive team and are service user led.

Our helpline is access to all and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Why work for us?

Pathway Project is an inspiring  place to be, we are a charity with big ambitions and huge energy.

We are have a bold new strategy, refreshed values  and a passion for excellence in service delivery.

Supported by a driven and energetic board of trustees the new Chief Executive is leading Pathway Project through their ambitious plans.

It’s a really fantastic time to join our amazing charity as we move into the next phase of our exciting journey.

We are a flexible and supportive employer, committed to the personal and professional development and wellbeing of our employees. We welcome applications from women with lived experience of domestic abuse and from minority  or under-represented groups.

We offer the following benefits:

· 25 days paid leave plus statutory holidays (pro rata)

· A competitive pension scheme

· Employee Assistance Programme delivered by Health Assured which offers incredible support to staff and their families

We value our colleagues and are constantly reviewing our policies and practice, looking for ways in which we can better demonstrate this. We also recognise the potential impact of working in this field and provide clinical supervision to all of our employees, whatever their role.

Key Responsibilities

1. Income Generation

· Maximise fundraising and revenue opportunities through community engagement delivering a number of community based initiatives to generate income over the year.

· Lead on delivery of the fundraising strategy to maximise funding opportunities.

· Developing Business links to encourage fundraising from the business community &  to develop lasting partnerships.

· Research trust and foundations and write targeted applications to support our work and achieve fundraising targets.

· Use your passion and creativity to identify innovative ways to attract funding that we can then deploy.

· Work with volunteers to create a fundraising team who will deliver  income generation activities.

· Manage the income generation activities and income generation steams and monitor them for efficiency and value.

· Proactively research and identify suitable local events, fairs, and community activities where the charity can have a presence.

· Manage the full process of registering the organisation for these events, including submitting applications and arranging any required payments.

· Complete and submit all necessary risk assessments or compliance documentation to ensure safe and accountable participation.

· Plan, create, and deliver a range of internal fundraising events that engage supporters, promote the charity’s mission, and generate income.

· Coordinate all aspects of event delivery, including logistics, promotion, volunteer involvement, and post‑event evaluation.

2. Awareness

· Leading on publicity/awareness raising campaigns throughout the year and working with the Social Media Officer to deliver new interesting activities.

· Develop links into the local community which can be used to raise awareness, generate income and deliver activities or events.

· Give a range of talks and presentations to local organisations to increase awareness and support for Pathway that will then generate income opportunities.

· Participate in networking opportunities.

3. General Duties

• Work with the Volunteer Officer to create a cohesive team of fundraising volunteers who will support events and activities to generate income.
• Help to support and train  volunteers / peer mentors in gaining experience and skills so they are confident to deliver fundraising activities without staff support.
• To manage and maintain effective records of activities and income generated so this can be evaluated.
• To record and manage donations of goods and services as well as gift vouchers so we have accurate records of usage
• Lead on standard merchandise production and of items such as pens and other logo items as well as the hidden phone number items.
• Be the primary point of contact for all promotional or networking  opportunities and working with the Head of Enabling Services and the CEO to maintain those relationships.
• Act in a professional manner in a way that reflects Pathway’s overall aims and values
• Attend meetings where appropriate  both independently and with colleagues.

Person Specification

Essential

• Clean Driving License.
• Able to network and make pivotal contacts.
• Ability to make cold calls and initiate meetings with companies etc.
• Experience of managing multiple projects at any one time.
• Experience in raising funds for Charities.

• Desirable
• Experience in delivering large fundraising events.
• Experience in corporate giving.
• Experience of networking.
• Experience of Gift Aid.
• Familiarity with payment platforms such as PayPal, Zettle or Enthuse.

This role description cannot cover every eventuality or task that may arise within this position and the post holder will be expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with the role.

Other information:

Pathway Project is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes diversity across our services. All employees are required to adhere to our Equality & Diversity policies and to challenge discrimination wherever it is appropriate.

Safeguarding Statement

Pathway Project is committed to safeguarding the vulnerable adults and children who we work with. We have a range of policies and procedures in place to support us to promote a Safeguarding culture  and safe working practices. Pathway Project will employ a safer recruitment process which will include disclosure and baring service checks where applicable and references for all posts.

We strive to be as inclusive as possible and look to recruit individuals with the right skills, experience and attitude, however, for genuine occupational requirement reasons we are looking to appoint a female only for this post (exemption under the Equality Act 2010 Part 1 Schedule 9).

The role is subject to a 6 month probationary period.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We are looking for a new Team Leader to join our team in.We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support. 

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.

About the role? 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Team Leader to join our team covering a variety of health boards.You will be a passionate supporter of quality driven, outcome centric, advocacy provision and in coaching others to achieve the exacting standards of excellence in advocacy required to support our clients. 

About you 

We are looking for a strong and resilient leader with experience of managing a team. Desirably you will have worked or volunteered in a welfare, supporting role, or caring for adults or young people who have support needs.

You will be committed to driving high performance and practice standards by actively engaging with our Practice Management team to interpret data. Thereby, making informed decisions and ensuring that the highest standards of advocacy are achieved. 

You will ensure a culture of learning and continuous development through a mix of team and supervision meetings, and reflective practice. 

You will be experienced in managing risks relating to the safety and wellbeing of staff members and the safeguarding of service users.

How will you make a difference? 

You will be responsible for ensuring your team delivery of the highest standards of advocacy, ensuring that all contact with clients is outcome driven. 

You will support your team and ensure that they have the necessary skills to make a difference in peoples lives on a daily basis.Assisting them to grow in confidence and empowering them to assist those in need of support. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with people across the organisation to assist you and your team, fostering a learning culture where all views are respected. 

Benefits  

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service  

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution  

Salary sacrifices pension scheme  

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)  

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc  

24/7 Employee Assistance programme  

Access to remote counselling service  

Paid Disability Leave  

Paid compassionate Leave  

Home Working Allowance   

Support with continuous professional development  

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development   

Personal Development Plans  

How are staff supported to work remotely?  

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.  

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).   

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.  

Equality and Diversity 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the People Team for further options. 

Together we make a difference, develop and learn, and support each other. Every day with us is different, but our mission remains the same: To champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support - they are at the heart of everything we do. We stand by them and we work together for change.

Alongside an incredible team of like-minded peers, you’ll be working behind-the-scenes to support our staff, volunteers, families, and supporters. You will be helping our work happen across the charity; enabling us to care for and champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support.

The Role

As the Head of Business Development, you will provide strategic leadership and hands-on delivery to stabilise and strengthen the Trust’s business development approach. You will lead the end-to-end opportunity pipeline - from market intelligence and commissioner engagement through to bid development, governance and mobilisation handover - ensuring opportunities are aligned to strategy, deliver strong outcomes, and are financially viable.

Hours: 37.5 Hours 

Contract : Permanent 

Salary: £48,022.00 

Location: Cheadle, Stockport

Responsibilities include but are not exhaustive

• Provide visible interim leadership for the Trust’s business development function, setting clear priorities and ways of working, and coordinating contribution from service, operational, clinical and corporate colleagues.
• Develop and maintain a Trust-wide opportunity pipeline (tenders, frameworks, spot-purchase growth, strategic partnerships and other commissioned income routes), including qualification, prioritisation, and clear next steps.
• Lead proactive engagement with commissioners, local authorities, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), NHS partners and other stakeholders to understand demand, shape specifications where appropriate, and position the Trust effectively.
• Own the end-to-end bid process: establish bid plans, coordinate contributors, draft and quality-assure responses, and ensure submissions are compliant, persuasive, and submitted on time.
• Work with Finance and service leads to ensure all bids and proposals are underpinned by robust costing, pricing, risk assessment and contract terms review; ensure financial viability and appropriate approvals before submission.
• Create and embed a practical bid governance approach (stage-gates, templates, timelines and sign-off), so that bidding is consistent, efficient and auditable.
• Champion the Together Trust’s vision, mission and values, and role model the Trust’s behaviours.
• Commit to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in how opportunities are developed and how the Trust works with partners.
• Maintain a visible presence across Trust services and corporate teams, balancing hybrid working with on-site engagement as needed.

About You

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent senior leadership experience).
• Evidence of continuing professional development in leadership, commissioning, commercial practice or service transformation
• Significant senior experience in commissioning, business development, service development or strategic partnership working within a public service environment (e.g. local authority, NHS, education, social care, VCFSE).
• Proven track record of developing successful proposals, business cases, tenders or commissioning documentation - including coordinating multiple contributors to deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging credibly with senior commissioners and partners.
  • Good understanding of public sector commissioning and procurement routes, including tendering, frameworks and contract governance.
  • Understanding of the importance of safeguarding, quality and regulatory expectations when developing and mobilising services for children, young people and adults.
• Ability to analyse complex problems, identify options and recommend proportionate solutions.
• Full UK driving license with ability to travel across Together Trust locations and to partner/commissioner meetings as required.

Benefits

• Annual Leave 27 day holiday plus 8 days bank holidays rising to 30 after 5 years, 33 days after 10 years
• Generous pension scheme and death in service benefit, up to 7% company pension contributions initially rising with length of service and up to 6 x basic salary death in service benefit.
• Occupational sick pay and family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
• Reward and Discount platform offering discounts at high street shops, travel, insurances etc.
• Eligibility to apply for Blue Light card
• Proud to be a real living wage employer
• Refer a friend scheme, be rewarded for recommending a friend to work with us
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including apprenticeship qualifications
• Long service awards including cash gifts and extra holiday.
• Promotion of Wellbeing across the organisation including Mental Health First Aiders offering wellbeing support from trained colleague and free weekly yoga session  in person or online
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for you and adults at your home

Find out more — watch our short video to see what it’s like to work with us:

https://youtu.be/SEnw2o00T6E

Applications are very welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socio-economic background. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled people. We positively encourage applications from those with lived experience. 

If there is any part of your lived experience you want to keep confidential in some way please talk to the Recruitment or HR shared service teams and we will do what we can to support you

The Together Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Safeguarding checks will be undertaken for the successful candidate in line with our safer recruitment policy.

We are looking to appoint a full-time Audio-Visual Production Engineer with good organisational skills to help facilitate production in the growing ministries at Holy Trinity Cambridge, working with and reporting to the Senior Worship Pastor. 

HT is a vibrant, evangelical, charismatic Anglican church, with a large and growing church family of all ages and stages. We are situated right at the centre of the city and perfectly placed to reach students and adults alike. We also sense that God is leading us into a new season of being a church for the city and our so heart is to further develop as a discipleship and leadership training hub, to serve and reach our city more, and, in years to come, to explore planting and partnering further afield. 

This is primarily an audio- and team-focused job, but you will be working alongside the Worship Team and other HT ministries to deliver the audio-visual production (including live stream) aspect of the HT worship ministry. In addition to our Sunday services, you’ll deliver AV production for a wide range of events, both inside and outside the church buildings, including weddings and funerals, as well as kids, youth, student, Easter, and Christmas events. Alongside audio set up and mixing bands and voices for the best quality sound possible, both in the room and online, we will draw on your skills to train up and develop volunteers to help deliver these services and events, as well as build systems on our audio equipment that ensure sound is consistent with volunteer operation of audio equipment. 

Interviews will be held for all short-listed candidates, most likely on Tuesday 5 May 2026. All candidates will be informed whether their application has been successful.

Start date: as soon as possible. 

The Head of Operations is a key senior leadership role at the heart of HTL Church.

As Head of Operations, you will take ownership of how the church runs day-to-day – ensuring that our people, systems, buildings, and processes operate smoothly, sustainably, and with excellence as we pursue our mission and vision.

You will be part of the Senior Leadership Team, line managed by the Vicar and working with the staff team to shape and support the operational life of the church, creating the environment in which our ministries, services, and communities can flourish and grow.

The role is both relational and organisational, requiring strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to develop and implement effective systems and processes. It is a broad and varied role, involving close collaboration with staff, volunteers, and external partners.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Job title: Lived Experience Facilitator - Service User Network (SUN)
Post no: 660
Working base: Mind BLMK - Luton Wellbeing Centre
Area covered: Bedfordshire and Luton (SUN offers a combination of online and face to face groups)
Hours: 21 hours per week. Monday – Friday
Working pattern: Tuesdays 9.30am – 5.00pm (7 hours) Remaining 14 hours to be negotiated depending on service need (within the hours Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5.00pm)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,147.00 per annum FTE (£14,272.62 per annum actual for 21 hours per week)

About the Service User Network (SUN)

The SUN is an open access model of community-based facilitated group peer support for people experiencing complex emotional needs associated with complex trauma and/or a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’. The SUN aims to help people develop effective ways of coping, reduce emergencies and improve access to appropriate services.

Those accessing the SUN may or may not have a formal diagnosis of personality disorder. Group members will have experienced longstanding emotional difficulties, isolation and may demonstrate patterns of behaviour that may not be helpful in the longer term.

About the Role

Fundamental to creating empowerment and engagement in the SUN Project is the therapeutic community principle, that the effectiveness of the service depends upon engaging group members in the task of running, delivery, development and evaluation of the service. The utilisation of SUN members’ own resources and expertise is integral to the SUN model of peer support.

SUN Facilitators will have their own lived experience of complex emotional needs associated with a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’ and will be able to demonstrate their recovery journey. They will work closely with mental health practitioners from ELFT (East London NHS Foundation Trust) to deliver regular Service User Network (SUN) groups in different community-based locations in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire or Luton. Full training in the SUN model, and weekly supervision by a Psychotherapist / Psychologist, will be provided for all team members.

Facilitators will work to develop and support the therapeutic community principle of the SUN model and the effectiveness of the service through engaging group members in the task of running, delivery, development, and evaluation of the service. The utilisation of SUN members’ own resources and expertise is integral to the model of peer support upon which the SUN groups are based.

SUN facilitators will have regular supervision and support in this role along with appropriate training.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Optional Health Plan
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: Monday 20th April 2026 at 5:00 pm
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

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

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

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This role supports Independent Age’s media/ PR and social media programme, with a 50/50 split between these areas, and will help deliver our ambition to tackle poverty in later life, build the organisation’s reputation, and raise our profile across multimedia channels. 

Working closely with the Media Communications Manager and Senior Digital Content Officer, the post-holder will work on communication projects across all areas of the charity to raise awareness and understanding of Independent Age, grow our influence and drive potential supporters to our activities (including our information and advice, fundraising, volunteering and campaigning). 

You should have experience of media liaison and securing press coverage, as well as familiarity with all social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter/X, BlueSky, Instagram and LinkedIn), and ideally a foundational knowledge of the associated reporting and analytics for them. 

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

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

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

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

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

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

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website.

Application Process:

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

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

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

Closing Date: 22 April 2026 at 11:59pm

Title: Active Recovery Lead 

Employer:  The Southmead Project 

Accountable to: Head of Active Recovery

Place of Work: The Southmead Project, Southmead, Bristol. BS10 6AS

Hours: 3 to 4 days per week. Must include Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £33,505 p/a pro rata 

The Southmead Project:

The Southmead Project is an equal opportunities employer providing free counselling and support for survivors of abuse and addiction across Bristol and surrounding areas. We welcome adults aged 18 and above of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language, religion and cultural background. We respect and cherish the differences between people and affirm every person as an individual. Our recruitment is done in line with safer recruitment practices. 

We value our team very highly and pride ourselves on being a supportive employer. We provide the following benefits to encourage every staff member to have a supported, well-rounded and enriched working experience:

• Paid supervision for 1.5 hours per month, with an external clinical supervisor 

• Line management for 1 hour per month

• Training budget of £500 per year to spend on relevant training of that person’s choice 

• Optional private counselling for up to twelve sessions per year with an external counsellor of that person’s choice

• Employer pension contribution of 5%

The Active Recovery Project gives adult survivors of abuse the opportunity to take part in community-based activities. Members of Active Recovery can participate in a variety of group activities with others who share or understand their experience and develop peer relationships, resulting in increasing confidence and reduced isolation. The activities are based on ideas from our members and include water-based activities (such as rowing, canoeing, sailing and kayaking), surfing, trips to community spaces and creative sessions (such as arts and crafts). Activities take place every week. Each activity will last approximately 2.5 hours each. Members can attend the group sessions for up to 18 months. 

Job Purpose: 

We are looking for a warm and passionate leader to come and join the Active Recovery Service.

As an Active Recovery Lead, their job will be to develop and deliver the Active Recovery Project in Bristol and in Somerset. Using a trauma-informed approach, the Active Recovery Lead will create and provide a safe and supportive space for clients from The Sexual Violence Alliance organisations (The Southmead Project, SARSAS, Womankind and the Bridge Sarc) to participate in a variety of group activities, with others who share or understand their experience and develop peer relationships, resulting in increasing confidence and reduced isolation. 
 

Principal Tasks:

1. Run two Active Recovery groups a week, with , with the help of the Practitioner.

2. Provide initial trauma-informed assessment phone calls and/or meetings with potential members as part of the registration process for Active Recovery. This includes assessing need, risk and suitability for the service using a trauma-informed approach. 

3. Create safety plans and tailor activity sessions where appropriate after building relationships with members following the initial phone calls.

4. Plan trauma-informed sessions for members, including producing risk assessments for each activity, visiting activity locations and delivering relevant trauma training to activity providers. 

5. Oversee and lead on setting up, delivering and debriefing about activity sessions with members, volunteers and staff. Ensuring members are clear on each session's ground rules and safeguarding processes, using the Member’s Agreement.

6. Provide trauma-informed face-to-face support to members at sessions who may become overwhelmed or require help dealing with flashbacks and dissociation.

7. To support volunteers and staff with safeguarding queries and ensure safeguarding procedures are followed. To be the safeguarding lead at activity sessions, escalating any onward safeguarding referrals and queries to the Southmead Project Designated Safeguarding Lead.

8. Participate in and support the recruitment and induction training of volunteers.

9. Support and line manage a team of volunteers.

10. Develop and maintain an Active Recovery community through email, phone calls, texts and in person.

11. Develop and drive forward the project’s aim to have the members’ voices at the heart of the project.

12. Collaborate with developing outcome processes in line with the Southmead Project and its funders’ requirements.

13. Analyse data and feedback collected through outcomes processes to adapt and constantly improve the planning and delivery of the project sessions.

14. Contribute content for reports as required. 

15. Build and maintain positive relationships with partnership organisations for the project

16. Manage the day to day budget for the project sessions, keeping accurate records to report to the Head of Active Recovery and planning how the budget will be spent across sessions, within guidelines provided by the Head of Active Recovery.

17. Record data accurately and in a timely manner on Oasis.

18. Produce social media and website posts about the project, including producing and editing videos.

19. Attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings with the Head of Active Recovery. 

20. To attend monthly one-to-one clinical supervision with a Supervisor who is approved by the Southmead Project. Supervision is a requirement of this charity as an organisational member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. 

21. To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.

22. Follow the Southmead Project policies, procedures and professional code of conduct as outlined in the Staff Handbook.

23. All members of staff, paid and unpaid, are required to undergo the   enhanced level of Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL

• Full drivers licence and access to own transport.

• Professional qualification, such as a Diploma or degree in Counselling or in other relevant fields of work, such as; social work, psychology, mental health, education, support work or similar: or extensive experience in any of these fields.

• A sound understanding of the issues affecting members who have experienced trauma and abuse.

• Experience in managing projects. 

• Excellent administration and organisational skills, including experience of managing sensitive personal information.

• Experience of and confidence in using multiple computer and case management systems. 

• At least 2 years’ experience of delivering groups in the community, preferably activity based.

• At least 1 year’s experience of providing face-to-face support for survivors of abuse. 

• The ability to arrange group activities and liaise with other local organisations to help plan them. 

• The ability to plan sessions in detail to ensure that they are trauma-informed and having the experience and confidence to ‘hold’ groups when things do not go to plan.

• The ability to work flexibly within a team and support those within it. 

• Experience in managing volunteers. 

• Knowledge and awareness of how particular activities and social situations could improve people’s self-esteem, self-confidence, build friendships and reduce their isolation. 

• A sound understanding of safeguarding and experience of supporting others to act in accordance with safeguarding policies and within the best interests of the Active Recovery member or those at risk.

• Experience in managing a long-term budget.

• Knowledge of survivors’ voice work.

• To be able to attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings and monthly clinical supervision.

• To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.

DESIRABLE:

• Experience of building and maintaining positive partnerships in the community.

• Experience of running a community based project. 

• Experience of setting up processes for survivors’ voice work.

• Knowledge of making content for social media, including video recording and editing skills.

• Experience managing recruitment and training.

• Experience in chairing meetings and the ability to plan and review activities with a team.

• Experience designing outcomes processes and collecting outcomes data.

• Experience in writing reports, preferably funding reports in the charity sector.

 Please note that there must be at least 12 months between receiving support from the Southmead Project as a client/member and starting this role.

Job Title: Duty Worker

Location: Hybrid working with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London) and co-locations across London
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum, Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement

Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term (until March 2027)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We are recruiting for a Duty Worker who will support the Ascent Pan London Service in building sustainable referral pathways and joint working protocols with a range of partners working with survivors of domestic abuse.

The central duty team (3 duty workers) will work closely with Refuge’s 6 floating support workers and floating support manager, and each service in the partnership has dedicated management to provide support and oversight for staff, and lead on safeguarding and project management.

We are looking for somone who has proven experience of providing direct emotional and practical support to women as well as up-to-date knowledge of legislation relating to survivors of gender-based violence. The post-holder will also have excellent casework skills, good written and verbal communication skills, clear professional boundaries, and be a proactive team player.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am on 24 April 2026

Interview Date: 5 May 2026