Early childhood jobs

This is an exciting time to join us. As we grow our international efforts and sharpen our strategic focus, we are creating a new Head of Research & Grants role to lead our combined research and grant-making function. Reporting to the Director of Impact, you will be our senior operational and strategic leader for how we identify, fund and learn from the work that gives babies the best start in life.

The grants and research effort of the Foundation is focussed on the ‘So What?’. You will make sure every piece of ground breaking research and every charity grant adds to our global advocacy for babies, informing and educating policy makers across the world about the 1001 Critical Days and how they can help parents and carers give their babies the best start in life.

To apply, please click the redirect to recruiter button. 

We are seeking a compassionate HCPC-registered creative arts psychotherapist such as an arts therapist, dramatherapist or music therapist to join our team for one day per week to deliver therapeutic support through our in school support Project HOPE. 

This is an opportunity to be part of a small but ambitious organisation that places relationships, compassion, and community at the heart of everything we do, while working alongside a supportive team dedicated to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. This position will initially be one day per week; however, there is strong potential for increased hours and days for the right candidate. Joining our small but fast-growing charity offers an exciting opportunity to develop alongside the organisation.

Project HOPE is a school based project offering therapy sessions as one-to-one or group work, making arts-based psychotherapy accessible to those who need it most. Project HOPE offers a creative lifeline for children who’ve encountered four or more adverse childhood expereinces (ACEs) and experienced or witnessed domestic abuse. It steps in where other local services can’t, providing support now and preparing children and young people for future life challenges.

We understand the emotional demands of therapeutic work and are committed to supporting practitioners to deliver high-quality, ethical, and sustainable practice. The successful candidate will receive regular clinical supervision and will have access to peer support, reflective discussions, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Newly qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, as we are happy to consider both those starting their careers and experienced professionals within the field.

Key Responsibilities include:

Therapeutic Delivery

• Deliver one-to-one and small group arts-based therapeutic interventions to secondary school-aged young people.

• Develop and facilitate creative therapeutic sessions tailored to the individual needs of participants.

• Build safe, trusting, and therapeutic relationships with young people experiencing complex trauma.

• Support young people to develop emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness, and positive coping strategies.

Assessment and Planning

• Undertake initial assessments and contribute to identifying appropriate therapeutic support.

• Develop therapeutic goals and intervention plans in collaboration with young people and relevant professionals.

• Monitor progress and adapt interventions as required.

Multi-Agency Working

• Work closely with school staff, pastoral teams, safeguarding leads, and project partners to ensure a joined-up approach to supporting young people.

• Attend relevant meetings and contribute professional insight where appropriate or share relevant information with the manager to attend on your behalf. 

Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Maintain a thorough understanding of organisational and national safeguarding procedures and statutory responsibilities.

• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, following organisational and school policies.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR and professional standards.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Maintain appropriate case notes and outcome measures.

• Contribute to project reporting, evaluation, and impact measurement.

• Support the collection of feedback and evidence demonstrating project outcomes.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

• MA Qualified Creative Arts Therapist (Art Therapist, Dramatherapist, Music Therapist, or equivalent HCPC-recognised profession).

• Experience working therapeutically with children and young people.

• Experience supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, adversity, or significant emotional challenges.

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice.

• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures relating to children and young people.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within schools or educational settings.

• Experience delivering both individual and group therapeutic interventions.

• Understanding of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their impact on development.

• Experience working within multi-disciplinary teams.

• Knowledge of local support services and referral pathways.

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgemental.

• Calm and emotionally resilient.

• Creative and adaptable in therapeutic practice.

• Able to build trust and engage young people who may be reluctant to access support.

• Strong professional boundaries and ethical practice.

• Committed to promoting the voice, wellbeing, and potential of young people.

Safeguarding

This role involves working directly with children and young people and is subject to an enhanced DBS check with barred list clearance. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection policies and procedures.

Family Support Worker

£24,000 pa + Company Car (with an approx. retail value of £23,000-26,000, taxable benefit in kind of £6-£8K) and other excellent benefits

Dorset, Hampshire and parts of Wiltshire and Isle of Wight

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker on a full-time basis (35 hours, 5 days per week), to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Southampton Care Team to families in the local area, at a time where they need it most.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Southampton Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness. You will enjoy responsibility for managing your own schedule, remaining flexible to the needs of the families on your caseload.

Having worked in a stressful and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care.

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly.

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines.

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator, you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people, and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We are proud to be a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! As a Top 10 Charity, we have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Control over your own schedule, based on the needs of families on your caseload, to balance home and working life

· Company car for front line care posts (car P11D value of £23,000-26,000, taxable benefit in kind of £6-£8k)

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Time off in Lieu

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth.

If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our why work with us page on our website.

More information about us and our recruitment process can be found in our Candidate Pack on our website.

Development opportunities:

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be the best they can be, and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Workers are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, counselling skills, and Introduction to Play.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs, with all family support workers having a foundation level of skills within their first year.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of their time together, providing expert practical and emotional support where they need, it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

To apply please visit our website via the link and apply online.

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

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

Additional information:

Interviews will take place via Teams or in person with a date to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate the team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation.

Join Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity and play a vital role in ensuring our teams can support families facing the unimaginable, helping us make a real difference.

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to take operational ownership of IT infrastructure and MSP relationship management, facilities, fleet, and contracts across our organisation. This is a wide-ranging role where your work directly underpins our frontline teams’ ability to deliver life-changing support to families with seriously ill children.

About the role:

Reporting directly to the Director of Finance and Operations, you will have input into how Rainbow Trust manages its IT, property and facilities, and fleet - while also leading on the day-to-day operational infrastructure across the organisation, including overall responsibility for our IT infrastructure and security. The role holder will act as the primary internal point of contact for our Managed Service Provider, overseeing service delivery, SLAs, and ensuring our IT infrastructure remains secure, compliant and fit for purpose

Managing the office facilities, leases, and contracts across our head office and nine regional sites, you will lead on contract negotiation and supplier management, managing a central administration budget and project manage office moves and operational projects.

With a focus on improving the efficiency of our systems, processes and ways of working, you will also line manage our Fleet Administrator, overseeing our fleet of 80 leased vehicles and be an integral part of decision making.

This is a substantive management role with real ownership, and meaningful variety - ideal for an experienced operations professional with a sound understanding of Microsoft Administration and cyber security ready to take on a broad remit in a values-driven organisation.

What we’re looking for:

Applications will be particularly welcome from those who have demonstrable experience of negotiating and managing contracts, including managed IT service contracts and budgets. A qualification in cyber security or IT and experience of Microsoft administration, cyber security and MSP management is also necessary for this role.

• A systematic and effective problem solver – you are self-disciplined and analytical, and you thrive on providing solutions, delivering high standards, and are skilled in appropriately tailoring your output to a range of different stakeholders for decision-making.
• A self-disciplined multi-tasker who is able to work independently and at a fast pace to meet deadlines – you are someone who perseveres and ensures close follow-up of delegated tasks to deliver consistently high-quality work through to completion.
• A strong verbal and written communicator with a high level of attention to detail – you’re a quick decision maker, who operates well within a defined area of control, basing your decisions on policy and procedures.
• You build strong working relationships both internally and externally – you are driven to achieve results and have the ability to train and support others to make correct decisions
• You work well within established systems, standards and procedures – you are accurate, highly numerate with excellent Excel skills and make fact-based and solution orientated decisions.

Why join us?

We’re proud to be a Two-Star Best Companies Top 50 mid-sized organisation and a Top 10 Charity, and we’re committed to creating a great place to work. You will benefit from:

• Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%.
• Flexible working hours to balance home and working life.
• 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time).
• The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping.
• Time off in Lieu.
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand.
• Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year.
• Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts.
• Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes.
• A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme.
• Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth.

If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our why work with us page.

More information about us and our recruitment process can be found in our online Candidate Pack.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

Apply now:

To apply please send your CV and Covering letter to us via the link.

Your covering letter should highlight why your application should be considered above others and clearly state how your experience matches the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification.

For a full job description and person specification please visit our website 

Please disclose in your covering letter if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

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

Interviews will take place at our Head Office in Leatherhead. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.

An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours (0.8 FTE) where possible).
Salary: £44,167 per annum
Location: London Fields, E8. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office.

The Vacancy

The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will act as a driving force behind our credibility and impact across key policy areas, working to influence national policy development and decision making and help enshrine good practice in law. It will also grow our presence in the sector as thought leaders, drawing on a range of evidence to take richer and deeper positions on the solutions needed to bring improvements.

This position will ensure that robust policy development is translated into effective public affairs and influencing strategies, ensuring that solutions to complex policy issues are understood and acted upon by decision-makers. The role will manage and deliver key elements of NCB’s core work across policy and public affairs, lead the delivery of funded projects and provide robust project management, and actively contribute to project proposals and income generation.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 08:00am, Monday 6th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible

Interested?

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

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research and Policy Manager
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours (0.8 FTE) where possible).
Salary: £44,167 per annum
Location: London Fields, E8. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office.

The Vacancy

The Policy and Communications Manager will act as a driving force behind our visibility and impact across key policy areas, bringing lived and learned experiences to the heart of our influencing. This role will work to elevate our profile, transforming our evidence and expertise into impactful communications and influencing strategies to build a momentum for meaningful policy, legislative and social change.

This position will bridge the gap between NCB’s evidence-based policy development and national advocacy, translating complex policy issues into powerful narratives that resonate with decision-makers and galvanise wider support. The role will manage and deliver key elements of NCB’s core work across policy and communications, lead the delivery of funded projects and provide robust project management, and actively contribute to project proposals and income generation.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 08:00am, Friday 10th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

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

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Senior Researcher
Contract: Fixed term for 24 months
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours where possible).
Salary: £40,855 per annum, Nationwide – £44,167 per annum for London
Location: NCB has offices in London, Sheffield, Newton Abbot and Belfast that staff can work from should they choose, or this role can be homebased. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office if based in London.

The Vacancy

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Researcher to make a significant contribution on a 2-year fixed term contract to the design, delivery and management of research and evidence projects at NCB. Research projects at NCB involve a range of methods, often using a mixed-methods approach, that include evidence synthesis and systematic reviews, literature reviews, primary research using qualitative and quantitative methods and secondary data analysis.

A key focus of this role will be leading and delivering high-quality evidence synthesis, as a core component of our research portfolio.

NCB’s research focuses on a broad range of topic areas on behalf of a range of trusts and foundations, statutory, academic, voluntary and community sector funders, including social care and the transition to adulthood; education; mental health & wellbeing; youth violence and early years.

The postholder will work across a range of projects including the topics above and using a range of methods as appropriate, ensuring their work is delivered to NCB’s quality standards.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Tuesday 7th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

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

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Events Co-ordinator
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time
Salary: £28,952 per annum
Location: Homebased – however NCB has offices in Belfast, Sheffield, Newton Abbot and London that staff can work from should they choose.

The Vacancy

This is an exciting opportunity within the newly formed Centralised functions at NCB supporting the Project Support, Events or Business Support teams.

The post holders will support the organisation’s portfolio of projects and/or complex learning event delivery of online and in-person workshops and conferences for the team they are working in, working closely with peers to provide coherent, consistent support to delivery teams. They will ensure that projects and events are well managed and delivered in line with internal processes and systems whilst balancing business needs achieving contracted requirements and targets.

The post holders will act as peripatetic support across projects, events and the wider business to deliver business objectives, including the administration of contracting processes, event hosting and logistics and business support administration as necessary.

This will include oversight and management of people, tasks and activities according to business need, and supporting teams and directorates.

Knowledge of budget management, risk mitigation and financial acumen is necessary to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.

The post holders will also work closely together drive a culture of continuous improvement informed by systems and data to optimise processes, enhance customer experience and improve delivery performance over time.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Wednesday 8th July 2026 
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible

Interested?

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

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research and Development Officer
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Part Time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Salary: £34,408 per annum, FTE (£27,526 per annum for 28 hours per week), with annual salary increments for the first three years
Location: Homebased – however NCB and RiP has offices in Sheffield, Newton Abbot and Belfast that staff can work from should they choose.

The Vacancy

For over 20 years, Research in Practice has been at the forefront of supporting evidence-informed practice in adult social care. We are now looking for a passionate and experienced Research and Development Officer to join our adults’ team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled facilitator with strong experience in adult social care (or a related sector, e.g. housing, homelessness, mental health or criminal justice) who is motivated to make a real impact. While the role requires a solid understanding of research and its application, it is not a primary research post—instead, the focus is on translating evidence into meaningful learning and development opportunities.

You will play a key role in designing and delivering high-quality learning experiences, including programmes, full-day workshops, webinars, and events, working with diverse audiences such as senior leaders and practitioners.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing and delivering engaging learning and development activities for a range of audiences
• Translating complex research, policy, and legal frameworks into accessible, practical learning
• Developing high-quality outputs (e.g. publications, tools, and learning resources)
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders and supporting collaborative projects
• Managing multiple projects effectively in a varied and fast-paced environment

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• In-depth knowledge of adult social care, or related sectors such as criminal justice, housing and homelessness, or mental health
• Experience in facilitation and delivering learning, including workshops and webinars
• A strong understanding of research, policy, and practice frameworks
• Skills in knowledge mobilisation, with a passion for co-production and evidence implementation
• Proven experience in relationship management
• Excellent communication skills, including confident public speaking
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work flexibly (including occasional travel and overnight stays)

Research in Practice

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice works with organisations across the adults and children’s social care, health and criminal justice sectors, supporting them to develop an evidence-informed approach to their work. Our focus is on using evidence from research, practice and lived experience, to provide resources that improve policy and services, in order to achieve positive outcomes for people of all ages.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break

Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Friday 10th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible .

Interested?

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

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Project Support Co-ordinator
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Part Time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Salary: £28,952 per annum FTE (£23,161 per annum for 28 hours per week)
Location: London/ Northern Ireland/Devon/Sheffield/Remote within the UK  
NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office if based in London.

The Vacancy

This is an exciting opportunity within the newly formed Centralised functions at NCB supporting the Project Support, Events or Business Support teams.

The post holders will support the organisation’s portfolio of projects and/or complex learning event delivery of online and in-person workshops and conferences for the team they are working in, working closely with peers to provide coherent, consistent support to delivery teams. They will ensure that projects and events are well managed and delivered in line with internal processes and systems whilst balancing business needs achieving contracted requirements and targets.

The post holders will act as peripatetic support across projects, events and the wider business to deliver business objectives, including the administration of contracting processes, event hosting and logistics and business support administration as necessary.

This will include oversight and management of people, tasks and activities according to business need, and supporting teams and directorates.

Knowledge of budget management, risk mitigation and financial acumen is necessary to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.

The post holders will also work closely together drive a culture of continuous improvement informed by systems and data to optimise processes, enhance customer experience and improve delivery performance over time.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Wednesday 8th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible

Interested?

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

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Barnardo's is looking for an exceptional Responsible Individual to provide inspiring, values‑driven leadership across four residential children's homes, each committed to delivering therapeutic, relational care and each aspiring to be Outstanding.

This is more than a regulatory role. It is a chance to influence culture, strengthen practice, mentor Registered Managers, and ensure our homes are places where children feel happier, healthier, safer and more hopeful, fully aligned with Barnardo's vision of Changing Childhoods, Changing Lives.

Our homes are grounded in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy). Every relationship, every team decision, and every child's plan is shaped by these principles. We are looking for a leader who not only understands trauma-informed, attachment-focused practice but lives it.

What Our Children Say They Want from the People Who Lead Their Homes

“Please make sure our staff feel supported. It helps us feel safe too.” – J, age 14
“We want people who don't give up on us… even when things get hard.” – S, age 11
“Help the homes be happy places.” – L, age 9

Who wouldn't want their work to be guided by such powerful voices?

Your Role

As the Responsible Individual, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational oversight for four children's homes
• Drive quality and consistency, ensuring each home is safe, thriving, and inspection‑ready
• Embed DDP and PACE across teams, culture, and decision‑making
• Lead improvement journeys towards Outstanding
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture and regulatory compliance
• Champion the voice of the child and high‑quality relational practice
• Build collaborative working across internal and external partners
• Model reflective, compassionate, trauma‑informed leadership

What You'll Bring

• Significant leadership experience in residential childcare
• A Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in Leadership and Management
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements across residential settings
• Experience in supporting and improving multiple sites/services
• Emotional resilience, reflective capacity, and clarity of purpose
• The ability to inspire, influence, and develop others
• A passion for helping children feel safer, more hopeful, and more connected

What We Offer

• Comprehensive leadership development and access to sector‑leading training
• Regular supervision and reflective practice support
• A values‑driven organisation where care, compassion, and curiosity are central

 Due to high application volumes, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised date. We encourage early applications.

What Our Colleagues Say About Working for Barnardo's
“Barnardo's invests in us. The training, the support, the supervision… it's the best I've had.” – Registered Manager
“I love that our values aren't just words, they show up in decisions, relationships, and how we treat each other.” – Deputy Manager

As Responsible Individual, you will nurture this culture, one where colleagues feel valued, reflective, motivated, and proud of the care they provide.

Join Us

If you are a courageous, compassionate leader who wants to help children feel happier, healthier, safer and more hopeful, and if you're ready to support managers and teams to achieve Outstanding, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us continue changing childhoods and changing lives.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research and Development Officer
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Part Time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Salary: £34,408 per annum, FTE (£27,526 per annum for 28 hours per week), with annual salary increments for the first three years
Location: Homebased – however NCB and RiP has offices in Sheffield, Newton Abbot, London and Belfast that staff can work from should they choose.

The Vacancy

We are looking for a talented Research and Development Officer to join our children and families team at Research in Practice. In this role you will develop and deliver accessible content and learning activities that promote evidence-informed practice and policy across child and family social care, youth and family justice as part of our annual delivery programme for our partners. You will also be involved in the delivery of commissioned project work.

The successful candidate will have experience designing and delivering resources, workshops, webinars, and events for a range of audiences, including senior leaders.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong written and editorial skills, excellent facilitation skills and who is confident distilling complex information into accessible learning materials. While the position requires engagement with and understanding of research, it is not a primary research role.

Key responsibilities are:

• Producing evidence-informed practice and policy resources in a range of formats (e.g. publications, videos, podcasts, animations). This includes evidence scoping, content development, commissioning, project management, editing, writing and quality assuring resources from inception to publication.
• Leading the development and delivery of concise, accessible content and learning activities to enable the development of evidence-informed practice and policy in the sector.
• Developing and facilitating learning sessions and events with a range of participants, including senior leaders across the sector.
• Working on a range of commissioned project work, from development/design through to analysis; presenting findings on completion and representing Research in Practice in project teams with academic and practice partners.
• Building strong relationships with sector experts and effectively managing relationships with authors, facilitators, people with lived experience and those working in research, policy and practice.

Research in Practice

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice works with organisations across the adults and children’s social care, health and criminal justice sectors, supporting them to develop an evidence-informed approach to their work. Our focus is on using evidence from research, practice and lived experience, to provide resources that improve policy and services, in order to achieve positive outcomes for people of all ages.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Wednesday 8th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

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

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Business Support Officer
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours where possible).
Salary: £37,198 per annum
Location: London Fields, E8. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office.

The Vacancy

This is an exciting opportunity within the newly formed Centralised functions at NCB supporting the Business Support Team.

The post holder will lead the operational delivery of a range of activities for the Business Support Team, working closely with peers to provide coherent, consistent support to delivery teams. This will include oversight and management of people, tasks and activities according to business need, and supporting teams and directorates with business administration, facilities and organisation as well as project and event support.

A key requirement of the role is the ability to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes at scale. The post holder will provide hands-on decision making across triage, planning, delivery and evaluation. They will work with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, managing and directing the work of multiple concurrent activities in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires end-to-end ownership of tasks and projects, alongside strong stakeholder engagement, effective people management of a small team of staff, and the ability to balance competing priorities.

Financial oversight, including budget management and risk mitigation is essential to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.

The post holder will also work closely with peers to drive a culture of continuous improvement informed by a strategic, systems thinking and data driven mindset to optimise processes, enhance customer experience and improve delivery performance over time.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 08:00am, Monday 6th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

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

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Senior CPD and Learning Officer (Adults)
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Part Time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours where possible).
Salary: £40,855 per annum, FTE (£32,684 per annum for 28 hours per week)
Location: Belfast BT15 + Northern Ireland / Newton Abbot TQ12 + Devon/Sheffield S1 or Remote UK homebased.

The Vacancy

Research in Practice has supported evidence-informed practice in adult social care for 21 years. We now have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Continuing Professional Development and Learning Officer to join our adult’s team.

This senior role is ideal for an experienced facilitator who has substantial experience in adult social care or related sectors. While the position requires engagement with, and understanding of, research it is not a primary research role.

The successful candidate will have experience designing and delivering programmes, whole day workshops, webinars, and other events for a range of audiences, including senior leaders. The role requires a strong understanding of research, policy, ethical and legal frameworks relevant to practice and the ability to translate complex evidence into accessible learning. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills are essential.

We are keen to hear from potential candidates who have detailed expert knowledge of adult social care and related adult services; knowledge of learning theory and its application to the development of learning activities; experience of developing and facilitating all-day workshops and other learning programmes and events with social care professionals; experience of leading quality assurance of learning activities and ensuring the quality of the work of others; a commitment to developing the work of others and sharing learning; a personal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice, and in involving people with lived experience in effective, ethical and evidence-based ways; and experience of writing successful bids and tenders.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

Research in Practice

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice works with organisations across the adults and children’s social care, health and criminal justice sectors, supporting them to develop an evidence-informed approach to their work. This role is focused on our work with Adults. Our focus is on using evidence from research, practice and lived experience, to provide resources that improve policy and services, in order to achieve positive outcomes for people of all ages.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Tuesday 30th June 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.