Job Purpose
Sequence ME & Long Covid is one of the most ambitious whole-genome sequencing studies ever undertaken into ME and Long Covid, co-led by Action for ME. Building on the success of DecodeME, this proposed £20 million study will use large-scale, long-read whole-genome sequencing to analyse the entire genetic code of 9,000 people with ME and 9,000 people with Long Covid - making it the world's largest 'long-read' whole-genome sequencing study of any disease.
Current funding supports project mobilisation, partnership development, and the development of the Long Covid arm of the study, including agreeing case definitions and gathering expressions of interest from people with Long Covid. Phase 2 has recently been confirmed, backed by £4.75m from the UK government and a further £174,414 from the WE&ME Foundation, and will focus on sequencing 6,000 ME/CFS samples previously collected through DecodeME using Oxford Nanopore's long-read sequencing technology, running alongside Phase 1.
You will play a pivotal role supporting the Sequence ME & Long Covid project in several different ways. Working closely with the project's management team and other team members, you will help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of this landmark study, providing administrative support to the various people and partners involved in delivering it.
As a self-starter, you will manage a range of tasks including meeting scheduling, taking meeting minutes, preparing governance documents, event administration, and broader project support - no two days will be the same.
You will need to maintain a high level of confidentiality at all times, particularly when supporting governance meetings and handling sensitive project documentation.
As a team player, you will provide comprehensive, confidential and organised administrative support, developing a deep understanding of the project and building strong, effective working relationships with colleagues, researchers and external partners.
Remote working at home can be challenging for some and works incredibly well for others. You will need to be able to work independently, use your own initiative, and remain proactive in maintaining good levels of communication with colleagues.
Key Duties
- Help monitor inboxes and respond to routine project enquiries in a timely and sensitive manner, escalating more complex matters as appropriate
- Assist the project's management team and other team members with meeting scheduling and diary coordination
- Take accurate minutes at project, management and other project-related meetings, and follow up and track resulting actions to completion
- Prepare, format and proof-read governance documents and papers
- Maintain and update project databases including the Teams channel, ensuring documents are saved correctly, other management information/recording systems to ensure accurate and timely record-keeping. Help with the tracking of expressions of interest from potential study participants.
- Provide administrative support for project events - from planning and logistics through to on-the-day support
- Help prepare presentations, slide decks and briefing materials for internal meetings, funders, partners and participant-facing communications
- Support the drafting, formatting and coordination of project communications, such as updates for partners, funders or the wider ME and Long Covid community
- Support coordination between internal teams and external partners, including research and funding partners
- Maintain project files and documentation in line with agreed communication operating procedures with internal and external partners ensuring information is well organised, up to date and easy for the team to access
- Maintain confidentiality at all times and in line with relevant policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with GDPR and that all data consent processes have been followed in relation to data protection
- Positively promote the work of the Sequence ME & Long Covid project and Action for ME at all times
- Undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post, as requested by the CEO, Business Development & Partnerships Manager, Senior Research Manager or the project's Management Team
Person Specification
Essential skills and experience
- Organisational skills - Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks across a fast-moving research project, with attention to detail and accuracy maintained under pressure
- Communication - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences including researchers, funders and people affected by ME and Long Covid
- IT literacy - Proficient with common office software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint), and able to quickly learn relevant project management, database or communications systems as needed
- Problem-solving - A creative and solution-focused mindset to address challenges and find innovative ways to improve processes
- Adaptability - Capable of managing changing priorities, working flexibly, and adapting to the needs of a fast-paced, ambitious research programme
- Initiative - A proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and take initiative, while also following clear instructions when given
- Teamwork - A collaborative team player with a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team, including a remote-working team spanning multiple partners and stakeholders
- Interest in the sector - A genuine interest in health research, the Third Sector, and a desire to take action to improve the lives of people with ME and Long Covid
- Experience - Demonstrable ability to be an effective administrator, ideally within a charity, research, or project environment. Experience supporting governance processes, events, or communications would be an advantage but is not essential
Desirable skills and experience
- Experience providing administrative support for scientific or research-related projects
- Experience writing and communicating with non-specialist or general audiences
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Nightstop Coordinator
If you’re ready to make a real difference and thrive in a team that supports your growth, we’d love you to join the team.
Location: Manchester - Nightstop
Salary: £30,943 per annum
Closing date: 16th August 2026
Employment Type: Permanent
Hours per week: 37.5
About the Role
Nightstop Coordinator – Greater Manchester
Help young people facing homelessness find a safe place to stay and a pathway to a brighter future.
As a Nightstop Coordinator, you'll be at the heart of a life-changing service—assessing referrals, coordinating emergency placements, supporting young people into longer-term accommodation, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of guests and volunteer hosts.
We're looking for a proactive and compassionate professional with experience supporting vulnerable people, strong safeguarding and risk assessment skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with partners, volunteers, and young people. You'll also recruit, train, and support volunteer hosts while promoting the service across local communities.
Join an inclusive, values-led organisation that believes in the potential of every person. If you're organised, resilient, and motivated to make a real impact on young people's lives, we'd love to hear from you.
Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent role.
In this role, you will:
Supporting Young People
• Act as the first point of contact for people experiencing homelessness and referral partners, providing advice and signposting
• Conduct needs and risk assessments with potential Nightstop guests
• Coordinate and manage the logistics of each placement with volunteer hosts
• Work proactively with guests and partner agencies to identify longer-term accommodation options
• Provide ongoing support to guests and volunteers, including participation in a 24-hour on-call rota
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests and volunteers at all times
• Comply with data protection and information-sharing protocols
• Lead on safeguarding actions to protect people with an identified risk
Volunteer Recruitment, Promotion and Engagement
• Promote volunteer opportunities through community networks, local organisations, and online platforms
• Recruit and onboard volunteer hosts in line with safer recruitment practices, including interviews, references, DBS checks, and travelling to complete home assessments in line with lone working procedures
• Assess and make recommendations on applicants’ suitability and contribute to decision-making processes
• Deliver training, supervision, forums, celebration events and ongoing support to volunteers
• Build strong relationships with hosts to support retention, motivation, and engagement
• Act as a key point of contact for volunteers, providing guidance and problem-solving support
• Maintain regular communication with volunteers, including updates, development opportunities, and networking events
Marketing and Stakeholder Management
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with statutory and voluntary sector organisations
• Work collaboratively with partners to support young people’s outcomes
• Arrange and attend community events and meetings to promote the Nightstop service
• Represent the organisation confidently, speaking clearly and effectively about youth homelessness and the impact of the service
• Support development of client and volunteer stories for communications and fundraising
• Proactively promote the Nightstop service to engage our wider communities, delivering awareness sessions encouraging volunteer engagement
Administration
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all guests and volunteers
• Contribute to monitoring, reporting, and data collection
• Support financial processes, including payments and record-keeping
Other
• Work collaboratively and effectively as part of the wider team with regular travel nationally for team meetings
• Actively participate in regular supervision, appraisals, caseload reviews and team meetings with your line manager and the wider team
• Work within the principles of Trauma Informed Practices, and apply this to your daily work young people, volunteers and also within the team
• Participate in an on-call rota, including evenings and weekends (additional on-call allowance is paid)
• Provide out-of-hours support when required
• Undertake further duties as commensurate to the role, in line with Depaul Policies and Procedures and as identified by your line manager
About You
When completing your application form please address all the points set out below.
Knowledge and Experience
• Experience of working with vulnerable people or those experiencing homelessness and the challenges they face
• Experience of managing volunteers, including promoting opportunities, recruitment, onboarding and retention in line with safer recruitment practices
• Knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation, including welfare entitlements
• Experience of completing and implementing risk assessments
• Strong understanding and experience of implementing safeguarding principles and procedures
Skills and Abilities
• Excellent communication skills both in person and remotely including the ability to deliver training to volunteers, present to a variety of audiences and speak publicly
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a dispersed national team
• Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Confident use of IT systems, including databases, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office
• Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to changing demands
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and promote this in others
What You’ll Receive
· Tailored training and development
· Flexible working options where suitable
· 26 days annual leave, rising with service
· Family friendly leave policies
· Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
· Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
· Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
· Cash health plan for you and your family
· Death in service benefit
· Access to legal and practical support
My Journey from Volunteer to Manager
When I moved to the UK in 2013, I joined the charity through a one-year European Voluntary Service placement, supporting vulnerable and homeless young people in a drop-in café. It didn't take long for me to connect with the organisation's mission and values, and I quickly realised that I wanted to build my career in an organisation dedicated to making a real difference.
They recognised not only my commitment but also my background in social work and passion for supporting others. At the end of my volunteering placement, I secured a role as a Nightstop Project Worker, where I spent four years delivering emergency accommodation services across 12 local authority areas and training volunteers who played a vital role in supporting young people in crisis.
One of the charity’s greatest strengths is its commitment to developing its people. Throughout my career, I was encouraged to expand my skills through leadership and management training, while being given the trust and autonomy to take on new challenges. This investment in my growth led to promotions first to Prevention Services Manager for the North East and Cumbria, and later to National Prevention Services Manager.
Today, I lead a dedicated team delivering family mediation, emergency accommodation, and housing advice services that help prevent youth homelessness across the country. My progression from volunteer to national service manager reflects the opportunities, support, and belief that the organisation invests in its people.
If you're looking for a place where your development is genuinely valued, your ambitions are supported, and your work creates lasting impact, this is a truly rewarding place to build your career.
Safer Recruitment
The charity is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.
About the Organisation
In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 the charity was born.
What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, the charity provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.
#INDSCP
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.
Thank you!
We are looking for a passionate and motivated Volunteer & Digital Services Coordinator to manage our volunteer programme and our Helpline & Digital Service.
In this role, you will recruit, train, supervise and support all volunteer roles (Helpline & Digital Service, art group and admin volunteers) and develop the volunteering provision at SARA, including organising SARA community events to engage volunteers. You will also have oversight of SARA’s Helpline & Digital Services (helpline, live chat and email service) for survivors of sexual violence. To do this, you will promote SARA’s digital services in Greater Manchester and beyond, develop the digital services procedures, line manage helpline sessional workers, ensure service user confidentiality, safeguard service users using the digital services, coordinate the on-call safeguarding rota for the digital services, identify service user themes, and collect and record all service area data.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
Supporting survivors of sexual violence. Formerly TRC / Trafford Rape Crisis
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.