Make a difference every day with PDSA
About Us
Join us to help keep even more people and pets together when times are tough. For over a century, PDSA have provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship.
We’re now on a journey to expand our reach to support even more people and their beloved pets. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need passionate and driven individuals who are ready to embrace change and help shape a future-focused PDSA. Together, we'll build a stronger organisation to ensure our services help those who need us most for the next hundred years.
If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of a team that's creating positive change, we want you to join us. Let's build a brighter future for pets and their owners, together.
About you
We’re looking for a Communications Officer to help promote and protect our charity’s reputation, raise awareness of our pet health agenda and highlight the vital work we do to keep people and pets together during difficult times. You’ll craft clear, engaging messages across print, broadcast, digital, and social media, building strong relationships with journalists and partners to secure positive coverage and strengthen our brand.
In this role, you’ll lead proactive communications activity, support reactive and crisis responses, and coordinate media opportunities such as events, photo shoots, and site visits. You’ll proactively seek out and capitalise on topical media and cultural moments including newsjacking opportunities to secure impactful coverage. You’ll also support the Communications and PR Manager, and wider internal stakeholders, to research, build, and manage celebrity relationships, leveraging PR opportunities where appropriate. Alongside this, you’ll monitor media trends, identify opportunities, and ensure consistent, high‑quality communication across all channels while safeguarding PDSA’s reputation.
We’re looking for someone with proven experience delivering successful media campaigns, excellent communication skills, and confidence representing an organisation externally. You’ll work well under pressure, respond quickly to urgent communication needs and be comfortable working independently. A relevant degree or CIPR qualification, along with knowledge of the charity sector, would be an advantage but not essential.
This role is home‑based, with occasional travel required for team meetings, events and visits to PDSA sites.
Rewards, support and benefits
We’re really passionate about being a great place to work, somewhere people feel proud of what they do, connected to a meaningful purpose, and able to make a genuine difference every day. Our teams are collaborative and supportive, and we encourage everyone to bring their ideas, individuality and passion for pets to work with them.
As well as a rewarding role and a positive, people-focused culture, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including:
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Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances.
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25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell an extra five days.
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Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually.
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Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
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Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind.
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AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 wellbeing support
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Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform.
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Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family.
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15% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.
To apply for this role, click Apply Now at the top of the page, create a candidate account and complete our simple application form.
PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the recruitment process.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.
To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Please note: Clinks would welcome the opportunity to discuss potential secondments from locally or regionally based voluntary organisations.
About Us
Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families. Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives.
Job purpose
To identify, communicate and engage with the range of voluntary sector organisations working with individuals and their families within the CJS across a geographical area ensuring Clinks provides effective support to help voluntary organisations better meet their aims. To enable Clinks to share information about the sector with HMPPS and other stakeholders
Job summary
This role will increase awareness and understanding of the criminal justice voluntary sector operating within across the Midlands area. The post holder will undertake an initial analysis project to identify place-based voluntary sector organisations and the range of, and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families. They will identify place-based needs and lead on the collation and sharing of information across the Clinks team and with stakeholders, to highlight the challenges and opportunities. The post holder will need to build new, and nurture existing relationships, with key partners and a range of agencies across sectors.
The post will work within the Area Engagement & Partnerships Directorate and with other Clinks’ staff to identify new members and engagement opportunities, deliver events and training, and provide opportunities to support the capacity and capability needs of the voluntary sector, with a focus on place-based small and specialist organisations working in the CJS.
The post will deliver activity to meet funder requirements, aims and objectives.
Reports to: Area Engagement and Partnerships Manager
Responsible for: N/A
1. Duties and key responsibilities
Area Engagement and Impact
- Identify and increase awareness of voluntary sector organisations based in the Midlands, the range of and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families, where they deliver and how they are funded.
- Understand the work of local and regional voluntary sector infrastructure organisations in a geographical area to identify and increase partnership working and collaborative approaches to strengthen the support offered by Clinks,
- Gather intelligence from the sector to identify and understand the needs of place-based organisations and share feedback with HMPPS and other key stakeholders to develop operational processes and influence future commissioning opportunities.
- Work alongside the National Influencing & Networks team to use this intelligence to influence key decision making at a local and national level.
- Provide support to voluntary sector organisations, keeping the sector informed and up to date and capturing the support provided and its impact.
- Respond to requests from voluntary sector organisations in need of support and signpost or consider what assistance Clinks (and others) can provide.
- Work alongside the Area Insights and Impact Officer to capture the needs of the sector to influence and inform future activity.
- Provide regular area specific communications to organisations utilising Clinks communication channels to share good practice, resources and publications.
- Produce regular blogs, case studies and social media activity to showcase the work of place-based voluntary sector organisations.
- Develop and build upon existing place-based networks to support collaboration and co-ordination between the voluntary, statutory, and private sectors in the criminal justice system.
- Provide information to help statutory partners and key stakeholders to understand the voluntary sector, its structures and how to work with it.
External Relationships
- Identify and explore opportunities to develop relationships with area-specific agencies working within criminal justice including Probation, Prisons and local statutory agencies to increase knowledge of locally based voluntary sector services and establish, and embed Clinks’ support
- Provide representation at various meetings, both internally and externally with partners and stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively to ensure effective information flow across directorates and to and from the sector and stakeholders
- Develop relationships with regional and local infrastructure organisations to widen Clinks reach and identify joint working opportunities.
2. General responsibilities
- Represent and be an ambassador for Clinks
- Work to support the mission, ethos, and values of Clinks
- Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position
- Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace
- Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work
This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.
Person specification
Experience, Skills and Abilities
- Significant experience of working or volunteering in the voluntary sector in the Midlands area
- Relationship building and management with a range of stakeholders and networks.
- Good attention to detail and ability to maintain effective records, utilising a range of different methods.
- Ability to think strategically about the voluntary criminal justice sector, and to analyse and respond to change.
- Ability to prioritise, multi-task and work under pressure, juggling a busy and varied workload.
- Excellent IT and digital skills, including use of Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams and Zoom.
- Adaptability and flexibility in being able to deal with new situations quickly and efficiently.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken, and ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders, at all levels of seniority.
- Convening meetings, arranging and chairing events both in-person and online.
- Ability to support and coordinate a complex network of organisations including representing diverse views, and promoting their work and issues.
- A collaborative approach to working with colleagues but also able to work alone.
- Highly organised with good project and time management skills.
Knowledge
- Role of the voluntary sector in addressing social exclusion.
- The criminal justice context and related policy.
- Understanding the role of national and local infrastructure organisations
- An understanding of the Midlands geographical area
Personal attributes and other requirements
- Able to travel extensively across the Midlands area with occasional travel across England and Wales.
- Able to work evenings and weekends and stay away from home overnight where necessary.
- Work well as part of a small team and independently, with a flexible approach to work.
- Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
- Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system
Clinks is the national infrastructure charity dedicated to supporting voluntary organisations working with people in the criminal justice system
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
It's an exciting time to join Victim Support, as we prepare to begin delivery of the Witness Service from April 2026. We look forward to welcoming current Witness Service staff and volunteers to Victim Support - and we're also now beginning recruitment for several new roles and to fill vacant positions.
Victim Support is seeking a committed and detail-focused Deputy Team Leader to help coordinate and maintain excellent support for witnesses within busy Court environments in Chester and Crewe. You will play a vital role in supporting the Team Leader, volunteers, and wider service ensuring witnesses receive timely, compassionate, and effective support throughout their justice journey.
This role is full-time working 37.5 hours per week covering Chester Crown Court, Chester Magistrates Court and Crewe Magistrates Court
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.
What We Offer
At Victim Support, we are committed to supporting and developing our colleagues. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:
- Flexible Working Options - including hybrid working where applicable
- Generous Annual Leave - 28 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell leave
- Birthday Leave - an extra day off to celebrate your birthday
- Pension Plan - 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced Allowances - enhanced sick, maternity and paternity pay
- Exclusive Discounts - high street, holidays, gyms, entertainment, and more
- Financial Wellbeing Support - access to salary deducted finance and guidance
- Wellbeing Resources - employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- EDI Networks - opportunities to engage in colleague groups promoting equity and inclusion
- Sustainable Travel Schemes - Cycle to Work and season ticket loans
- Career Development - comprehensive training and ongoing development opportunities
About the Role
As the Deputy Team Leader - Witness Service (Court-Based), you will support the delivery of a high quality, safe, and consistent service for all witnesses attending court.
You will:
- Support daily case allocations to ensure witnesses receive timely needs and risk assessments, support, and referrals.
- Conduct case management system audits, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and high-quality reporting.
- Collate and analyse performance data, contributing to KPI monitoring and quality assurance.
- Support rota planning to maintain appropriate resource coverage across the court cluster.
- Assist with volunteer accreditation, training, performance tracking, and continuous improvement.
- Input, update, and report on witness information, ensuring comprehensive assessments and referrals.
- Promote effective communication within the team, coordinating meetings and sharing learning.
- Build and maintain relationships with statutory, voluntary, and community partners.
- Deputise for the Team Leader when required, ensuring service standards and targets are met.
- Contribute to a trauma-informed, person-centred approach that prioritises dignity, safety, and inclusion.
This role requires strong attention to detail, confidence using digital systems, and the ability to manage competing demands while supporting a high-performing team.
You will have
- An understanding of the criminal justice system and the impact of crime on victims and witnesses.
- Experience working in challenging environments with a focus on customer experience and service excellence.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and advisory skills-both written and verbal.
- The ability to prioritise work with minimal supervision and manage conflicting demands.
- Experience processing, analysing, and reporting information from multiple sources.
- Competence in using IT systems including Microsoft Office and case management systems.
- A commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Additional Information
- The role may involve exposure to emotionally demanding situations and requires resilience.
- Travel across the Court cluster may be required.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary.
- An Enhanced DBS check will be required.
About the Witness Service
The Witness Service provides free, independent support to any witness giving evidence in criminal courts in England and Wales - both for the prosecution and the defence. Our trained staff and volunteers help people understand what to expect before, during and after a trial, and offer practical and emotional support every step of the way, so witnesses can give their best evidence. The Witness Service also supports bereaved family members, friends and family who are accompanying witnesses in court.
This is an exceptional opportunity to help us ensure a smooth transition and shape a high-quality, high-impact and trauma-informed service - so every witness feels informed, supported and more confident in court.
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.


