Children and young people team manager jobs
Regional Youth and Community Director
OASIS UK – Youth and Community (OCP)
0.6 FTE, Permanent
Salary:£31,487 (FTE £52,479)
We’re excited to be recruiting for a key leadership position supporting Oasis’ youth and community work in the North West region (covering delivery in Greater Manchester and Bradford).With accountability to the Oasis Community Partnerships CEO the role of the Regional Youth and Community Director has three main functions:
1 Strategic management oversight of local Youth and Community teams
2 Regional development, working alongside other functions within the Oasis family
3 Being part of the national Youth and Community leadership team
The Youth and Community Director will have strategic management oversight of local Youth and Community teams in the region, providing accountability and support to the local leaders and charity boards. This responsibility area falls into two categories; those the Director is directly responsible for, and those they are responsible for ensuring are carried out by leaders within their region.
ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT
Oasis neighbourhoods are local places of activity that provide integrated, high quality and diverse services to benefit the whole person and the whole community. The Oasis ethos stems from our Christian roots and is an expression of our character - it is a declaration of who we are and therefore the lens through which we assess all we do. This is encapsulated by the following five statements:
a passion to include everyone
a desire to treat everyone equally, respecting differences
a commitment to healthy and open relationships
a deep sense of hope that things can change and be transformed
a sense of perseverance to keep going for the long haul
An Oasis neighbourhood is a community movement and the joining together of all the work Oasis does in any one place, which could include foodbanks, debt advice centres, family support and advice services, healthcare, youth work, children’s work, alongside other Oasis activities in that community, including formal education through Oasis Academies.
The Youth and Community function of Oasis is responsible for the wider community work that takes place within Oasis neighbourhoods, working closely with the wider Oasis family to outwork our vision. In relation to governance, Oasis Community Partnerships is the national charity, with each local team operating from their own local Oasis charity.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing national organisation, making a difference to communities on a local level, whilst also influencing the national landscape. As part of the package, Oasis offers:
- A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution
- A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays)
Please contact us to arrange for an informal conversation with our CEO to find out more about the role. If you are interested in this position, please send your CV and a covering letter (ensuring you refer to the job description and person spec).
The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.
We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers to application, please let us know.
Completed applications should be returned by 9am on Tuesday 8th September.
Interviews will take place week beginning 21st September. (Shorter more informal calls may be arranged the previous week to assist with shortlisting)
Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.
Oasis supports Equal Opportunities. Registered Charity No. 08749179
If you are interested in this position, please send your CV and a covering letter (ensuring you refer to the job description and person spec)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Youth Employability Service Team Leader
Location: CXKHastings Base
Salary: £32,019 - £34,661 depending on experience
Hours: 37 hours per week, Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Reports to: Youth Employability ServicesArea Manager
About CXK
CXK empowers people to succeed in employment, education and training. The charity strives for a fairer society where everyone can grow and realise their potential. “The CXK Way” embodies the following core values:
· Ethical – We work with professionalism, honesty and integrity
· Passionate – We reach out enthusiastically to all who need out support
· Innovative – We inspire, enhance and improve
· Collaborative – We engage, support and share with others
You can click here to learn more about us.
The Youth Employability Service
CXK delivers the Youth Employability Service (YES) across East Sussex, commissioned by East Sussex County Council. We offer information, advice, support and guidance to young people in academic years 12 and 13 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), helping them to explore their options, plan and then take their next steps. We also work with schools supporting young people in year 11 who are at risk of becoming NEET. Liaising with a range of other services, YES is focussed on supporting young people to achieve their potential.
The Team
The YES team support young people from across the county, seeing them at CXK bases, partner venues or in community settings. The team assess and action plan with young people referred to the service, supporting them to understand their options and take steps toward achieving their goals around education, training and /or employment. Working with a wide range of young people, the team approach is focused, creative and persistent, building on young peoples’ confidence and motivation alongside their skills and personal growth.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated YES Team Leader to support the delivery of a high-performing Youth Employability Service across East Sussex. You will provide line management and case management support to a team of advisers, ensuring young people achieve positive outcomes in employment, education and training while maintaining high standards of quality and performance.
Working closely with the Area Manager, you will use performance data and service metrics to monitor delivery, identify areas for improvement and contribute to service planning. You will support quality assurance activities including audits, observations and continuous improvement initiatives.
You will oversee referral allocation and caseload management, ensuring service standards and contractual requirements are met. A key part of the role involves managing the service database to support the tracking of young people across East Sussex, working closely with the East Sussex County Council Data Team to ensure data accuracy, compliance and effective reporting
The role also requires effective partnership working, representing YES and CXK at stakeholder meetings, developing positive relationships with external agencies and promoting the needs of young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET. You will support staff with safeguarding, risk management and professional development, while championing youth participation and ensuring young people's voices are heard within the organisation.
About You
This is an excellent opportunity for a confident leader with experience of managing staff within a service supporting young people. You will be committed to achieving positive outcomes for young people, have strong communication and relationship-building skills, and be able to effectively use data to drive service performance and improvement.
Minimum Criteria
- Demonstrable experience of successfully managing teams and monitoring individual targets.
- Experience of developing positive professional relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Experience of managing performance through the effective use of data and performance information.
- Experience of supporting staff in relation to safeguarding and risk management issues.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
Essential Criteria
- Maths and English GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
- Experienced in the use of Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.
- Ability to use initiative, make decisions and manage competing priorities
- Commitment to professional development and undertaking relevant training.
- Full UK driving licence, access to a vehicle and willingness to travel as required.
- Availability for occasional evening and weekend work.
Desirable Criteria
- Level 3 IAG qualification (or relevant experience) and willingness to work towards further qualifications.
- Knowledge of services supporting young people into education, employment and training.
Skills and Knowledge
At CXK we are proud to be a disability confident and equal opportunities employer. We actively promote diversity within our workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Please click here to view the job description and person specification.
Employee Experience
A career with CXK is deeply rewarding and offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. As part of the Youth Employability Service (YES) team, this role gives you the chance to empower and motivate your team to support young people to take positive steps into education, employment, or training.
At CXK, we are committed to supporting our staff to grow, thrive, and develop their potential. You’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team that values inclusion, wellbeing, and continuous learning.
Benefits of working with us
Our employee benefits include:
· 30-33 days holiday, plus bank holidays
· Defined contribution pension scheme (matched by CXK up to 10% depending on length of service criteria)
· Benenden private healthcare cover
· Flexible working
· Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
· Training and development programmes and opportunities
· Mental and physical healthcare initiatives and more
All appointees will be subject to an enhanced DBS Check.
Recruitment Timeline
Vacancy closing date: Tuesday 25th August 2026
Application review date: Wednesday 26th August 2026
Interview dates from: Friday 28th August 2026
Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity
Location: Sheffield
Reporting to: Head of Community and Events
Hours and basis: Part Time – 22.5 hours per week / Fixed-Term Contract until 12th November 2027 (Maternity Cover)
Salary: Manager band starting £35,674.05 per annum pro rata (£21,404.43 actual)
Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity is seeking a proactive and relationship-focused Community Fundraising Manager to play a key role within our Community and Events team. You will manage a diverse portfolio of fundraising campaigns and projects, develop meaningful supporter relationships, and create exceptional experiences that encourage long-term support, helping to grow income and maximise impact for children and young people.
About the role
In this key management role, you will work closely with the Head of Community and Events to deliver our community fundraising strategy and business plan, driving income growth while ensuring exceptional supporter experiences.
You will lead a team of Community Fundraising Officers, providing day-to-day management, coaching and support, while overseeing the delivery of a diverse portfolio of fundraising products, campaigns and projects. This includes established campaigns such as Christmas Jumper Day, PJ Day, In Memory and Schools fundraising, as well as developing innovative opportunities to inspire community support.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across the charity, volunteers, supporters and partners, you will help strengthen relationships, increase engagement and maximise fundraising income to support Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity's mission.
The role will require occasional evening and weekend working required to support fundraising events and community activities.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of community fundraising products, campaigns and projects that support sustainable income growth.
- Support the implementation of the charity's community fundraising strategy and contribute to future planning and development.
- Line manage the Community Fundraising Officers, providing leadership, performance management and professional development.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with supporters, community groups, schools and key stakeholders.
- Monitor and report on fundraising performance, budgets and KPIs, ensuring targets are achieved and opportunities identified.
- Ensure excellent supporter stewardship and donor care, creating positive experiences that encourage long-term engagement.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across fundraising, marketing and volunteering teams to deliver integrated campaigns and initiatives.
- Ensure fundraising activities comply with relevant legislation, policies and fundraising best practice standards.
- Represent the charity at events, meetings and community engagements, acting as an ambassador for the organisation.
About you
We're looking for an enthusiastic and results-driven fundraising professional with experience of delivering successful fundraising campaigns, managing relationships and leading teams. You will be passionate about creating meaningful supporter experiences and motivated by the opportunity to make a difference for children and young people.
You will bring:
- Experience of community fundraising, events, account management, sales or a similar relationship-focused role.
- Experience managing and motivating individuals or teams to achieve targets and objectives.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience developing and delivering projects, campaigns or events.
- Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
- Experience managing budgets, income targets and performance reporting.
- Knowledge of fundraising regulations, compliance requirements and supporter stewardship best practice.
- A proactive, creative and solutions-focused approach to fundraising.
For further details please read the full job description which outlines the behaviours, qualities, skills and experience we are looking for.
Why join us?
At Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity, you'll be part of a passionate and ambitious team committed to making a real difference for children and young people. You'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful fundraising activity, work alongside incredible supporters and help grow the impact of one of the UK's leading children's healthcare charities.
Closing Date: Monday 31st August 2026, 5:00pm
Interviews: Week commencing 7th September 2026.
Apply today by emailing your CV and a covering letter
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applicants. If you are shortlisted for interview, we will contact you directly. We thank you for your interest in joining Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity.
Agencies: We are not accepting unsolicited agency contact or applications for this role. Any CVs submitted by agencies without prior agreement will not be considered.
We support Sheffield Children’s to deliver life-changing care, comfort and new ideas to create healthier futures for children and young people.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about racial justice and supporting young Black people to thrive?
Our Youth Employment Manager role is an exciting new opportunity to lead on Poetic Unity’s innovative Employment programmes, which makes up one of our three priority areas: Mental Health, Employment and Education. This role, forming part of our Senior Leadership Team, will play a critical role in supporting thousands of Black young people across the UK to access safe, inclusive and empowering employment opportunities - changing culture and reshaping systems.
Key responsbilities
- Be responsible for the development and management of the Chief Operations Officer Senior Leadership Training (COO SLT) - an innovative training programme for 10 Black young people to achieve the skills required to thrive in positions of senior leadership
- Be directly responsible for the management of the annual Cultural Leaders programme - a 12 month employment programme for 5 Black young people each year, working across different areas of Poetic Unity and with partners across the sector to develop transferable skills.
- Design, implement and manage The Blueprint - a national framework of best practice for the employment of Black young people in creative organisations
- Ensure all Employment programmes are effectively meeting the needs of the target demographic and are aligned with Poetic Unity’s strategic Vision
- Ensure all Employment programmes are effectively meeting the objectives and funding goals as outlined in associated funding requirements
- Be responsible for the effective monitoring and evaluation of all Employment programmes
- Be responsible for programme budget and finance management, working in line with awarded funding allocations and following all documentation protocols.
Person specification
- At least 2 years experience in leadership, people and project management roles, preferably within the charity sector
- Proven track record of effectively managing programmes and services, including programme development, implementation, and evaluation. To hold the knowledge, skills and confidence to bring programmes to life, oversee and manage their efficiency and deliver against outlined project goals and funding requirements
- Experience in project finance management, including keeping to budgets, managing over or underspend, and maintaining required evidence for efficient fund management
- Strong background in operational management - programme impact and evaluation, risk management and programme development
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and advocacy, with the ability to represent Poetic Unity effectively at various levels and build strong, sustainable partnerships to support the programme goals and our strategic vision.
About us
Poetic Unity is a Black-led charity committed to addressing systemic racism and its impacts on children and young people’s mental health, education and employment. We use poetry and social action to cultivate joy, connection and empowerment across our communities. Based in Brixton and founded in 2015, we have since worked with over 60,000 young people across the UK in communities, education, cultural spaces and prisons.
As a Black-led charity working towards racial justice, we strongly welcome applications from people with lived experience of racism. We are also particularly interested in applications from women and people from and/or with knowledge of our local Brixton community.
If this role sounds of interest to you please read full job description below with more details and how you can apply
Poetic Unity is a Black-led charity tackling racism through poetry and social action
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for a competent and experienced Finance Manager to join our core team to cover maternity leave from September 2026 for around 6 months, with high likelihood of permanent extension following the cover period.
The main purpose of the role is to maintain robust financial, payroll, information and administration systems that support Chilypep’s strategic financial planning, sustainability, and programme development, following the organisation’s Financial Policy and Procedures.
This key member of our core team is a vital role for our organisation, providing the backbone and foundation for all the work we do to empower children and young people to have a voice, place and space in their communities and the wider world.
You will need a detailed understanding of the financial requirements of the charity sector, excellent teamwork and communication skills, along with experience and confidence to manage the breadth of tasks and relationships needed to keep a vibrant and busy youth charity going!
Job title: Finance Manager
Reports to: CEO
Internal working relationships: Regular contact with the Board of Trustees, Project Coordinators and the Core team. The Post-Holder will undertake regular supervision with the CEO and meet regularly with the Company Treasurer.
External working relationships: Key communication with Funders, voluntary organisations and statutory bodies such as the Charities Commission, Companies House, HM Revenue & Customs and service providers including external auditors, suppliers, bank, payroll and pension agents.
Contract: This is a Maternity Cover post for approximately 6 months (very likely to be permanent part/full-time post at the end of the cover period)
Location: 11 Southey Hill, Sheffield, S5 8BB (Hybrid option to enable some home working – to be agreed with successful candidate)
Hours: 30-37 hours per week (to be agreed for the successful candidate)
Salary: Scale 29 – 31 (£37,235.77 – £39,257.90) pro rata
Closing Date: 9am, Monday 10th August 2026
Interviews:Monday 17th August at the Chilypep Youth Hub, 11 Southey Hill, Sheffield, S5 8BB
Chilypep are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and ensuring equality of opportunity in our recruitment processes for staff and volunteers. Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce and follow the guidelines of the Equality Act. We are an employer that values lived experience at all levels of our organisation.
Our priority is to safeguard and protect the Children and Young People we work with, and we operate within strict Safe Recruitment Practices, including an Enhanced DBS check, social media check, and 2 references covering a period on no less than 3 years for all staff and volunteers.
All candidates must have existing permission to work in the UK.
For full details of the job description and person specification, please download our job pack now from our website
Help grow partnerships that bring joy to seriously ill children.
Rays of Sunshine is looking for a confident, ambitious and relationship-led Corporate Partnerships Manager to help manage and grow a portfolio of valued corporate supporters.
This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a time of growth and transformation, as we deliver our new five-year strategy and continue to build long-term partnerships that make a real difference to seriously ill children and their families.
As our Corporate Partnerships Manager, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional stewardship across a portfolio of established and strategic corporate partnerships. You will develop tailored partnership plans, deepen engagement, increase income and secure sustainable, multi-year support.
The role will be approximately 70% focused on managing and growing existing partnerships and 30% focused on developing new business opportunities through warm introductions, established pipelines and collaboration with colleagues. You will work closely with the Head of Fundraising, wider Fundraising Team, Communications, Services and Events colleagues to ensure partners receive an excellent experience and feel connected to the impact of their support.
You will lead on partnership stewardship, employee fundraising, volunteering, sponsorship opportunities, impact reporting, renewal conversations and partnership growth. You will also help identify opportunities for corporate partners to engage with challenge events, special events, public fundraising campaigns and Wish Community experiences.
We are looking for someone with strong relationship management skills, experience achieving fundraising or commercial income targets, and the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels. You will be organised, proactive and confident managing multiple priorities, with excellent communication skills and a passion for creating meaningful partnerships.
Rays of Sunshine has recently been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, reflecting our positive, values-led culture and commitment to supporting our people.
We brighten the lives of seriously ill children across the UK by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospitals and within the community
Base71 Youth Zone is dedicated to young people and makes a bold statement about the importance of giving young people high quality places to go in their leisure time. Open 7 days a week including school holidays, the Youth Zone’s purpose is to help young people grow to be happy, healthy and successful adults.
The state of the art £10 million building provides young people with facilities that are second to none delivering over twenty sporting, artistic, cultural and general recreational activities each session. Offering young people the opportunity to try new things, meet new friends and gain support from friendly, warm and positive staff and volunteers
Are you passionate about creating an outstanding volunteer experience and helping people develop the skills and confidence to make a real difference?
Base71 Youth Zone is looking for a Volunteer and Training Manager to lead and develop our volunteer programme, while coordinating learning and development opportunities for both volunteers and staff. Since opening in January 2026, Base71 has already welcomed nearly 8,000 young people as members, supported by a growing team of staff and volunteers.
You will be the driving force behind volunteering at Base71, recruiting, onboarding, developing and supporting volunteers who help us create a safe, welcoming and inspiring environment for young people.
From designing meaningful volunteer roles and developing recruitment strategies to delivering training and celebrating volunteer achievements, you will help ensure every volunteer feels
You will be the driving force behind volunteering at Base71, recruiting, onboarding, developing and supporting volunteers who help us create a safe, welcoming and inspiring environment for young people.
From designing meaningful volunteer roles and developing recruitment strategies to delivering training and celebrating volunteer achievements, you will help ensure every volunteer feels valued, supported and equipped to thrive.
You will also coordinate learning and development across Base71, supporting staff and volunteer training, managing the appraisal process and helping ensure our team has the knowledge and skills needed to perform at their best. You will also play an active role in organising volunteer recognition activities and wider Youth Zone events.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each person as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.
Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Buckinghamshire Service for you to join a dynamic team committed to supporting children and young people who have been affected by someone else’s drug and/or alcohol use. The role of a Children and family Worker will support children and young people under the age of 18 on a one-to-one basis in a confidential space. The role will deliver a wide range of interventions/ education though activities, such as games, arts and crafts and emotional wellbeing resources. The role will utilise a young person-centred approach, empowering them to explore situations which they feel they have little control over to support them to lead a safe, happy, and healthy life.
The role will work in partnership and liaise with other young people services throughout Buckinghamshire, to provide holistic support to young people accessing the service. We need to record information about what we do, so enjoying a bit of admin work and attention to detail is important, but most of the time you’ll be enjoying working with young people from all backgrounds, making a difference to their lives. You will be required to work flexibly across operational sites as required so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car. Don’t worry, there is a wide array of training and development opportunities to help support you in your work.
Where: This role will be based across Buckinghamshire County
When: We're looking for the right person to join our team ASAP on a permanent contract
Hours: 37.5 per week
Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.
Responsibilities
About the role:
- To holistically support CYP affected by parental substance misuse, using a range of interventions including group work, 1:1 work, whole family interventions, safety planning and safeguarding working closely and proactively with the family unit to support positive and sustainable outcomes.
- Identify families in conjunction with other agencies, who will benefit from a Think Family / Whole family approach, negotiating participation and engagement with the programme of care.
- Identifying and responding effectively to potential safeguarding issues.
- Reducing drug and alcohol related harm to young people and the wider community.
- Working with young people to support positive, holistic outcomes in relation to their health and wellbeing, enabling them to lead safe, healthy, and purposeful lives: reducing risk and increasing resilience
- Working flexibly across sites where required
About you:
- Experience of working with young people and knowledge of the issues they face
- Knowledge of safeguarding concerns in relation to children and young people and the Fraser Competence framework
- Have an excellent understanding of drug and alcohol issues and experience of working within a related field
- Knowledge of working with evidence-based practice around young people’s substance misuse treatment services and methods, including relevant best practice guidance
- An accomplished communicator, both verbal and written with a high degree of personal IT competency
- Be able to accurately update and maintain records and to work to deadlines for the submission of information, e.g., reports
- Have excellent team working and interpersonal skills, maintaining a highly cooperative approach to supporting colleagues in delivering service objectives
What we will give to you:
- 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days”
- Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme
- Contributory pension scheme
- A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc.
- A friendly and supportive team
- Training, career development & progression opportunities
- Refer a friend scheme.
Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details outlined in the job description. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role.
A note about using AI in your application
AI can be a really helpful tool when putting together your application, and we're happy for you to use it. However, what we're most interested in is you.
We want to understand your experiences, achievements and strengths, so please make sure your application reflects your own story and clearly shows how you meet the essential criteria and the impact you've made in previous roles.
There's no need to write in a particular style. The strongest applications are those that are authentic, specific and clearly demonstrate your skills, experience and potential. We look forward to learning more about you.
Direct applications only — we will not be engaging agencies for this vacancy.
Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Salary Range (pro rata if part time)
CGL points 23 to 28 (£28,557.79 - £32,802.41)
ILW / OLW /Fringe
N/A - Outside London Weighting Area
Interview Date
24/8/2026
Closing Date
17/8/2026
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.
Our mission is to help people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.
Join BrainWaves at an exciting stage of growth and help build the sustainable income behind our ambitious plans to improve young people’s mental health.
This is a rare opportunity for a proactive fundraiser to take real ownership of a growing fundraising programme, working with experienced specialists while broadening your expertise across trusts, major donors, corporate partnerships and individual giving.
About BrainWaves Research
BrainWaves Research is a charity working to improve young people’s mental health and wellbeing through research, education and collaboration.
We bring together scientists, educators, schools and young people to build a stronger understanding of adolescent mental health and translate evidence into practical support. Our work combines a major longitudinal research study with evidence-based educational resources for schools.
BrainWaves is a long-term collaboration involving the University of Oxford, Swansea University and The Day News & Media. We are entering an exciting stage of growth and are looking for a proactive and versatile Fundraising Manager to help secure the sustainable income needed to achieve our ambitions.
The opportunity
You will lead the day-to-day delivery of fundraising across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships and individual giving, developing new opportunities as well as managing and growing existing relationships.
The role may particularly suit someone with strong experience in one area – most likely trusts and foundations or high-value giving – who is ready to broaden their expertise across a mixed portfolio.
You will work particularly closely with our fractional Fundraising Director, who will provide strategic direction and support, as well as experienced specialists in major gifts and events, senior volunteers and colleagues across BrainWaves.
This is a hands-on role with significant autonomy. We are looking for someone proactive, ambitious and organised who enjoys turning strategy into action, building relationships, improving systems and hitting targets. Above all, you will be passionate about our mission to improve young people’s mental health.
Key responsibilities
Fundraising and income growth
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Work with the Fundraising Director and COO to deliver BrainWaves’ fundraising strategy and annual income plan.
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Manage and grow a pipeline across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporates and individual giving.
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Research and develop new prospects, partnerships and sustainable income opportunities.
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Prepare compelling cases for support, grant applications, proposals, presentations and donor communications.
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Take ownership of agreed income targets, deadlines and activity plans, monitoring performance and forecasting income.
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Manage funder and supporter relationships from initial approach through to reporting and stewardship.
Major donors, corporates and supporters
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Work with the Fundraising Director, trustees, senior volunteers and specialist advisers to identify, cultivate and steward high-value prospects.
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Build relationships with companies whose values and interests align with BrainWaves and develop appropriate partnership opportunities.
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Help develop our individual-giving programme, including appeals, regular giving and supporter journeys.
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Manage and improve our use of JustGiving and other digital fundraising platforms.
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Support donor and cultivation events, including prospect identification, communications and follow-up.
CRM, data and fundraising operations
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Take day-to-day ownership of BrainWaves’ CRM, ensuring supporter, prospect, donation and relationship records are accurate and up to date.
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Improve how the CRM is used for pipeline management, reporting, segmentation, stewardship and task management.
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Establish clear and consistent processes for recording and using fundraising information.
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Produce regular pipeline, income and forecasting reports and use data to identify opportunities, gaps and risks.
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Ensure information from JustGiving and other platforms is captured and followed up appropriately.
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Maintain high standards of data protection, fundraising compliance and data quality.
Collaborative working
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Work closely with the Fundraising Director and experienced freelance specialists in fundraising strategy, major gifts and events.
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Collaborate with colleagues across communications, research and operations to develop strong fundraising propositions and materials.
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Support trustees and senior volunteers in their fundraising activity.
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Attend occasional meetings and events, primarily in Oxford and London.
About you
You will be a confident and proactive fundraiser with strong experience in at least one income stream and an appetite to broaden your expertise.
You will be a persuasive communicator and excellent relationship builder, comfortable managing multiple prospects, deadlines and priorities. You will enjoy working in a small, evolving organisation where initiative is valued and will be effective working independently from home while staying closely connected to the wider team.
Most importantly, you will be motivated by ambitious targets and genuinely excited by BrainWaves’ mission.
Essential experience and skills
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Experience of securing income within a charity, university, research institution or other purpose-led organisation.
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Strong experience in at least one fundraising stream, such as trusts and foundations, major donors, corporates or individual giving.
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Evidence of meeting fundraising targets or contributing significantly to income growth.
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Experience of managing prospects from research and qualification through to solicitation and stewardship.
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Excellent written skills, including producing persuasive applications, proposals and donor communications.
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Strong relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills.
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Ability to understand complex information and turn it into a clear and compelling case for support.
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Experience of using a fundraising CRM to manage pipelines, records and reporting.
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Excellent organisation, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
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A proactive, resourceful and collaborative approach.
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A genuine commitment to BrainWaves’ purpose.
Desirable experience
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Experience across more than one fundraising income stream.
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Trusts and foundations and/or major donor fundraising experience.
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Experience of corporate partnerships.
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Experience of using and improving a CRM, particularly Beacon or a similar system.
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Experience of JustGiving or similar digital fundraising platforms.
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Experience of fundraising for mental health, young people, education, science, health or research.
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Knowledge of fundraising regulation and data protection.
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Experience of donor cultivation or fundraising events.
What we offer
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The opportunity to shape and grow fundraising within an ambitious charity.
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Close working with an experienced Fundraising Director and senior fundraising specialists.
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Significant autonomy and the opportunity to broaden your fundraising experience.
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Meaningful work supporting research and education focused on adolescent mental health.
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A flexible, predominantly home-based role.
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25 days’ annual leave pro rata.
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Auto-enrolment into our pension scheme after successful completion of a three-month probation period.
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Reasonable travel expenses for required meetings and events.
We are not looking for freelance consultants or consultancies to contact us for this role, as we really want someone to embed in our team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have a fantastic opportunity to join St Christopher's fellowship as a Home Manager for our children’s home in South West London. You will lead and support a professional team of staff committed to transforming young lives and creating positive outcomes. You will be supported by Deputy Managers, Team Leaders as well as the rest of the team.
About Us
Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.
St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people. We are proud of our history of providing fostering, children's homes and innovative leaving care services across the UK. We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do. We provide positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home.
We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong. We hope to attract applications from under- represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities, and gender-diverse identities
About the Role
We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do and as the Home Manager; you will be a key player in building and extending this commitment.
You will lead and support a team: Deputy Managers, Team Leaders and Residential Workers and all committed to transforming lives and creating positive outcomes.
In addition we have an in house team of Therapists providing support to staff and young people within the home.
St Christopher’s Academy
Our 'St Christopher’s Academy' ensures our staff is continually developing. We will support you to map out your career trajectory and help you achieve your professional ambitions. If you want to learn more about St Christopher’s Academy, please visit our website.
The successful candidate will have
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and, be either working towards or has achieved the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
- Prior experience in residential children’s homes, including at least a year with staff supervision and management responsibility.
- A passion for achieving the best possible outcomes for young people.
- Excellent leadership and staff management abilities.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to deliver at least ‘good’ in the home’s Ofsted inspection.
- Sound business awareness and a flair for promoting the service.
- Flexibility, drive and resilience.
This role will involve some shift work plus some on call duties in the evening and at weekends. Applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS (police) checks.
In return we offer:
- Competitive salary.
- A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
- 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
- Industry Leading training programme including Young People’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health, Social Pedagogy.
- Contributory pension scheme, Enhanced Maternity and Company Sick Scheme.
- UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
- BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
- Interest-free season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, childcare vouchers.
- Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
- Discretionary funded training programs.
- Employee Awards based on performance and length of service.
- Fantastic opportunities to develop your career through our newly launched “St Christopher’s Academy”
Recruitment Process
At St Christopher’s we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people in our care. During the recruitment process you will be expected to complete an online application form to ensure we capture essential information to meet legislation, best practice and vetting requirements.
Applicants will ideally already be on the DBS Update Service; if this is not the case St Christopher's will carry out a DBS (police) check prior to starting.
Your online application must include a supporting statement addressing the criteria stated in the Person Specification. CV’s will not be accepted.
For the full Job Description and Person Specification, please visit our website.
For assistance during the application process, please contact us via our website
This post has a minimum age restriction of 21 year for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and supported accommodation Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’.
It is illegal to apply for any role that involves working with children and young people under the age of 18, if you know you are barred from working with children.
All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.
We are a leading charity for children and young people, providing fostering, children's homes and leaving care services across the UK and Isle of Man



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT CAUDWELL CHILDREN
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Volunteer Manager (maternity cover) to join our dedicated, experienced and growing team of professionals as we embark on a journey of expansion.
Established in 2000, Caudwell Children aims to change people’s lives, change the way society perceives and treats disabled and autistic people and change the way that charities operate, through the provision of child-centred practical and emotional services, passionate campaigning and demonstrating best practice. We believe in a world where disabled and autistic children have the choice, opportunity, dignity and understanding they deserve #jointhechange and help us in our mission!
Our facilities provide a state-of-the-art base within the grounds of Keele University, Staffordshire, with the option of informal homeworking arrangements up to 40% of working week after passing probation.
POST OUTLINE
This is an impactful role working in a supportive and collaborative environment. The Volunteer Manager is responsible for implementing a sustainable volunteer strategy, onboarding journey and programme across the charity. This varied role oversees the promotion of volunteering, internal and external relationship building, all stages of volunteer recruitment, HR checks and onboarding and the coordination of an effective volunteer mandatory training programme. This role is responsible for organising recognition programmes, guiding departments on how to manage and retain volunteers, maximising the use of volunteer resources and ensuring volunteers have a rewarding experience whilst also positively contributing to the organisation objectives to provide vital services to the families of disabled and neurodivergent children. This role is also responsible for the line management of the Volunteer Administrator. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who shares our commitment to making a meaningful difference and who can truly embody our core values:
- Ambition – We dream BIG… then make it happen
- Dedication – We go the extra mile… for every child
- Inclusivity – Unique, but UNITED
The successful candidate will bring enthusiasm, professionalism and a collaborative spirit, contributing to a culture where every child, colleague, donor and stakeholder feels valued, supported and inspired to thrive.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and inspire a positive culture of volunteering within the organisation.
- Implement the Charities Volunteer Strategy and continually develop the volunteer onboarding journey and programme.
- Liaise with departments to establish volunteer support requirements and create volunteer role descriptions.
- Continually review the recruitment plan and pipeline, analysing existing data to understand patterns, ensuring volunteer diversity.
- Promote and market Caudwell Children volunteer roles nationally with the support of the team, reaching wider audiences, using a range of recruitment methods such as online recruitment platforms, social media, local community groups, etc.
- Attend volunteer recruitment events across Staffordshire, such as university career fayres, including delivering presentations to promote volunteering and placements.
- Attend volunteer networking events
- Coordinate and lead informal volunteer interviews to identify suitable volunteer candidates.
- Responsible for overseeing references checks, ID and DBS checks in line with DBS regulation and to comply with safer recruitment policies
- Process onboarding paperwork, updating our volunteer database and auditing volunteer records to ensure they are up to date with DBS checks, mandatory training, medical records and emergency contact details.
- Oversee DBS renewals, DBS Destruction notices, annual medical updates and mandatory training reminders.
- Lead volunteer support plan discussions with new volunteers to discuss reasonable adjustments and support we will put into place where they have disclosed a medical condition or disability.
- Coordinate and oversee the induction and mandatory training for newly appointed volunteers, delivering the mandatory charity training session in collaboration with the Learning and Development Manager.
- Working with departments to advise them on how to deliver an effective training and mentoring programme in order to establish a cohesive infrastructure of motivated volunteers, in collaboration with the Learning and Development Manager.
- Deliver volunteer management training and advice to departments on how to support, mentor and motivate volunteers, ensuring regular supervisions are carried out by departments.
- Lead monthly catch ups with department heads to discuss the activity of volunteers and department needs.
- Monitor and evaluate all aspects of volunteer activity to ensure effectiveness. Conduct continuous evaluation of the volunteer programme, organising surveys and volunteer forums to gather feedback
- Responsible for checking volunteer expense forms.
- Design and organise formal or informal activities to recognise the contributions of volunteers to the organisation, including parties, social media recognition posts, volunteer case studies, volunteer awards, etc.
- Review and update if appropriate volunteer policies, procedures, risk logs and standards of volunteer service across the organisation ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
- Ensure the Volunteer Department is compliant with ISO requirements by annually reviewing standard volunteer documents due to renewal.
- Produce regular reports using volunteer data on volunteer recruitment, onboarding, activity and participation.
- Create month end board level reports, interact at Board level, to highlight progress against the Volunteer Strategy.
- Line Manage, supervise and mentor the employee: Volunteer Administrator.
- Help to facilitate and develop the corporate volunteering opportunities in collaboration with the Business partnerships team who lead on the Charities Corporate Social Responsibility offer.
- Maintain and develop the current placement offer for student volunteers recognising the contribution to a sustainable volunteer strategy, and coordinating placement project plans and timetables.
- Deal with any complaints or issues involving volunteers in the appropriate manner and take action where necessary.
Other:
- Communicate with children, families and all stakeholders in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture in full compliance with the Equality & Diversity Policy.
- Uphold the principles and practice of customer care and continuous improvement.
- Maintain confidentiality and Data Protection and at all times work in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations 2018.
- Have an awareness of relevant health and safety regulations and legislation, being responsible for your own health and safety and that of anyone else whom your acts and omissions may affect.
- Report any concerns of potential abuse of a service user in line with the Safeguarding Policy and procedures.
- Ensure maintenance and security of physical, financial and information resources.
- Demonstrate commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
- Keep comprehensive and accurate records in relation to your role and in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Attend training as appropriate to the role, applying knowledge gained to the workplace.
- To work effectively and collaboratively as a member of the team, building and maintaining good working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with statutory and non-statutory bodies.
- Adhere to all Caudwell Children policies and procedures.
- Demonstrate commitment to Caudwell Children’s mission, vision and values.
- On occasion and when necessary work flexible hours to meet the needs of the business.
- Willingness to travel on occasion in order to fulfil the needs of the post.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria:
- Experience of coordinating volunteers / supervising a volunteer team.
- Experience of line management of colleagues.
- Experience of working in the charity sector.
- Excellent administration experience.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of Volunteer management practices
- Ability to resolve problems/issues tactfully and effectively.
- Well-developed IT skills including data/records management and analysis.
- Good time management and organisational skills.
- Good presentation and training skills.
- Good multi-tasking skills with the ability to deal with and prioritise multiple requests.
- Prepared to be flexible and a commitment to team work.
Desirable Criteria:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
- Relevant volunteer management qualification.
- Experience of management role.
- HR administration experience.
- Volunteer/ employee recruitment experience.
- Experience of reporting against targets to the board/senior management team.
- Understanding of the legislation surrounding volunteer management.
- Understanding of confidentiality and GDPR.
- The ability to travel independently to various locations across the region to fulfill the duties of the role.
This Job Description is not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to carry out any other task as deemed appropriate for the level and responsibilities of the post.
DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE CHECKS
The Charity is committed to safeguarding children and young people and therefore adopts a safer recruitment approach through a robust recruitment and selection process. All posts within the Charity are subject to DBS checks, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This role is eligible for a basic disclosure check.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Caudwell Children is a Disability Confident employer committed to offering an interview to all applicants who meet the minimum criteria and declare they have a disability as defined in the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and will not discriminate for any reason against any person because of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation. Please make us aware on your application if you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme. We also encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background and other underrepresented groups.
HOW TO APPLY & FURTHER INFORMATION
To apply for this exciting opportunity, click “Apply” or visit our website for further information.
To change the world so that disabled and autistic children have the choice, opportunity, dignity and understanding they deserve.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Earliest Start Date: 1st December 2026
About the Role
We are looking for a Chief Operations Officer to lead the operations team, join the management team and support the CEO. Your priorities will be to oversee all fundraising, including campaigns, major donors and grant applications. You will oversee the HR of the organisation, including recruitment and disciplinaries. In partnership with the CEO and finance officer you will be jointly responsible for finance within the organisation. You will manage the facilities manager and administrator, ensuring that processes are followed appropriately and the building is maintained in good condition, ensuring we fulfil all legal requirements.
About You
You will be a senior manager who has energy and drive as well as sound judgement. On top of a strong track record in an operational position, you will have the breadth of experience to lead HR and systems, finance, monitoring and evaluation and fundraising. You will have experience in fundraising and funder management and be able to lead on making funding applications and reporting to funders. You will be a clear, analytical thinker who will strengthen the leadership of our charity. You will be an excellent manager of people. Finally, you will be excited about working in an organisation with a unique mission that strives to make a difference in the lives of some of the most disadvantaged young people in London.
Job Title - Member Services Manager
Contract - Permanent
Hours - 21 hours per week
Salary - £30,600 per annum (£51,000 FTE)
Location - Coram Campus, London – hybrid of office and home working
About Coram
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.
Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
About CoramBAAF
CoramBAAF is the UK’s leading membership organisation for professionals working across adoption, fostering and kinship care. We provide information, best practice guidance, advice, training and resources to support our members and influence policy to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Our corporate members in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland represent 94% of all local authorities as well as regional adoption agencies, health and social care trusts, independent fostering providers and voluntary adoption agencies, and cover 88% of all children and family social workers.
Our 600+ individual and associate members - comprising lawyers, health professionals, educational institutions, therapeutic and family support services, and more - reflect the multidisciplinary nature of our work.
Together, our members make up the largest network of organisations and individuals involved with children in their journey through the care system.
About the role
CoramBAAF’s membership is central to the organisation’s aims and activities. The Member Services Team provides a comprehensive service to corporate, associate and individual members and customers in all four nations of the UK. The team manages and tracks member renewals, enrols new members, implements recruitment and retention strategies, co-ordinates service delivery to members and handles a wide range of membership enquiries.
The team is also responsible for the licensing of CoramBAAF’s health and social work report forms, essential to practice in adoption, fostering, kinship care and other substitute care UK-wide. Activities to support the licence scheme include managing and tracking licence renewals, coordinating the release of new and updated forms, enrolling new licence holders and handling a wide range of queries.
The Member Services Manager will provide leadership and line management across both membership and the forms licence scheme. The postholder will maximise income from CoramBAAF membership and ensure its continued reach and relevance. They will also maximise income from the forms licence scheme and actively promote its importance as a key member benefit. Importantly they will strengthen engagement with members to ensure retention whilst also increasing reach and awareness nationally to recruit new members.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and oversee the implementation of a member engagement strategy to increase direct contact with staff/frontline workers in members agencies.
- Have regular contact with member agencies (in person and online) to promote the benefit of membership and ensure that members are maximising their membership.
- Gather data and maintain accurate records of current member agency engagement in order to identify opportunities for growth as well as areas of concern.
- Take the lead, and in consultation with colleagues, agree the membership benefits and fees payable across the different categories of membership UK wide.
- Take the lead, with colleagues, to devise new membership categories and benefits as appropriate.
- Monitor take up of membership and engagement with CoramBAAF and devise strategies and communications accordingly.
- Take the lead, and in consultation with colleagues, maintain and develop the forms licence scheme.
- Maximise income from the scheme by encouraging take up of more forms and attracting more users/customers.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, hard-working and proactive professional to lead our small but dedicated Member Services team. The ideal candidate will be a motivated individual with strong membership, organisational and communications skills and experience and a desire to provide high quality services to members and customers.
To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.
Closing Date: 30th August 2026 at 23:59
Interview Date: Week commencing 14th September 2026. Please note that interviews will be held in-person at the Coram Campus in London and will include a short test.
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer life is turned upside down – for them and their family. Fear, isolation, extreme money worries, not knowing where to turn – this is the reality for many.
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help children, young people and families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. You could be a part of the team making it happen.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Social Worker with Demonstrable post-qualifying Social Work experience to join our London & South East Team supporting children and young people diagnosed with cancer.
We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality support tailored to the needs of the children and young people and their families. The work we do is rewarding but also complex and demanding. You will be part of a close-knit Young Lives vs Cancer social work team, working with an established NHS multi-disciplinary team and services in the community.
This role is part home, part site-based. Your contractual base will be both Home and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
This role is subject to a Criminal Record Check. In the event of a successful application, a Enhanced Criminal Record Check will be completed. A previous conviction is not necessarily a barrier to employment. We encourage qualified applicants to apply, and we will consider each case individually.
About You
You will be committed to delivering high quality social work support to promote the best outcomes for the children, young people and families we work with. You will need to be resourceful and resilient. You will have a positive attitude and be willing to embrace difference. As part of the wider Young Lives vs Cancer team you will actively engage with the work of the charity and welcome opportunities to get involved.
You will have:
- A recognised Social Worker qualification and current registration with Social Work England/ Scottish Social Services Council/Social Care Wales/Northern Ireland Social Care Council
- Demonstrable post-qualifying Social Work experience working with children, young people and their families/carers in a social care setting.
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, ideally in an NHS setting.
- Sound knowledge of child and young people development.
- An understanding of the impact of serious illness for children, young people and their families.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
WHAT WILL I GAIN?
For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:
- Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
- Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Great family/caring leave entitlements
- Enhanced pension
- Access to our employee savings scheme
To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.
We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.
ACCESSIBILITY
We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.
Previous applicants need not apply
Who we are
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.
What you’ll do
Reports to: Chief Executive
Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders)
We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.
Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.
You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.
This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.
Who are we looking for?
You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.
You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.
Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.
IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.
What we can offer you
- 5% employer pension contributions
- Healthcare cash plan
- Flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).
To apply
Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.
Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.
First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE.
We help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.