Home for children volunteer jobs in Welling, greater london

Are you a collaborative, highly organised and compassionate individual with a proven record of working successfully with socially excluded unemployed people with support needs relating to alcohol and substance use and supporting them to move into sustainable employment?  Do you have sound experience of delivering successful one-to-one and group employment activities, applying a creative approach to planning programmes, workshops and activities?

If so, St Giles is looking for a Senior Caseworker to join our Skills and Employment team, where you will provide a high-level service to people with complex needs, specifically those with history of substance misuse, developing flexible, holistic and personalised pathways towards employment for clients.

About St Giles Trust

An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this key role

Our successful candidate will work in partnership with Pier Road staff, to identify and receive appropriate referrals to the project and to oversee an ongoing caseload of clients, regularly reviewing progress and applying case management skills to provide a personalised service and meet all set objectives.  You will carry out comprehensive initial assessments with clients to produce realistic individual action plans which are regularly reviewed and updated, organise and deliver one-to-one and group activities to prepare clients for employment and to achieve their goals, while also actively supporting clients to navigate and access provision and support available across Bexley.

We also count on you to lead on the development and maintenance of strong links with external agencies, landlords, employers and potential work placement hosts to open up opportunities, plus supervise and support Peer Advisors working on the project and allocating tasks according to their ability and capacity.

What we are looking for

• Significant experience of managing a caseload of clients presenting with support needs and achieving set objectives for employment outcomes
• Experience of supervising or managing volunteers and/or paid staff
• The ability to carry out risk assessments, in terms of both service delivery and individual action planning; reviewing and updating where necessary
• The ability to demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the issues faced by our client group, in particular barriers faced by people with lived in experience
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, verbal and written
• A flexible, collaborative and professional approach to your work

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, access to clinical supervision, season ticket loan and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion-confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi-heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, or neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

Please note St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

An enhanced Children’s Barred List DBS check is required for this role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION In your application form, please provide a written statement (maximum 1,000 words) showing how you meet the criteria outlined in the Person specification. 

Closing date: 11 May 2026 at 9 a.m. Interviews: 18 May 2026 on Teams

JOB TITLE: Northern Partnership & Dog Training Manger

LOCATION:                         Northern Region (Including Scotland, Northern England and parts of the Midlands)

SALARY: £37,000 - £45,000 p/a

JOB TYPE: Permanent, Full-Time and Part-Time applications considered

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.  We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.

MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE:

The Northern Partnership & Training Manager is responsible for the operational leadership, coordination and quality assurance of Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles operating within the Northern region.

Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles within the Medical Alert Assistance Dog department combine elements of dog training, client instructing, partnership placement and aftercare, depending on programme need. This role provides direct line management and oversight of Northern region staff working in these hybrid capacities.

The postholder ensures consistent, high‑quality delivery of MAAD partnerships, working collaboratively with training, welfare and senior management colleagues to support dog progression, client outcomes and compliance with ADUK and ADI standards.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Provide operational leadership for Northern region Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles, ensuring staff who work across training, instructing and partnership delivery are effectively supported, coordinated and developed.

You will act as the regional lead for instructor‑delivered partnership work, maintaining oversight of workloads, partnership progression, accreditation readiness and aftercare delivery, while contributing to continuous service improvement under senior management guidance.

Reports to: Interim Head of Partnership Services

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will oversee and coordinate the Northern Medical Alert Assistance Dog function, managing staff in Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles who support MAAD partnerships from allocation through placement and ongoing aftercare.

You will provide clear leadership, supervision and quality assurance, ensuring consistent delivery standards, balanced workloads and clarity of expectations for staff whose roles span multiple functions.

You will maintain oversight of partnership pipelines, regional capacity and accreditation timelines, ensuring accurate reporting and timely escalation of risks or concerns.

This is a senior operational role requiring strong people management, excellent dog training and instructing expertise, and a calm, organised approach to managing complex client‑facing services.

Responsibilities of the Role

Hybrid Role Leadership & Management (Northern Region)

• Line manage and support Northern region‑based Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles
• Conduct regular 1:1s, supervision and appraisals
• Chair Northern regional team meetings and provide updates to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme
• Approve annual leave and expenses, ensuring appropriate regional cover
• Support senior Partnership and Dog Training Instructor staff in mentoring or supporting less experienced colleagues
• Ensure staff adhere to departmental standards, methods and policies

Partnerships, Training & Client Delivery

• Oversee the progression of puppies within the Northern region and where required, carry out relevant assessments 
• Oversee the progression of MAAD partnerships across training, placement and aftercare within the Northern region
• Ensure client learning styles, family dynamics and individual needs are identified and supported
• Support or directly deliver Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity where required, including: Scent and odour training, Client‑specific training, Placement training, Aftercare and refresher support
• Maintain oversight of partnerships requiring remedial training or additional intervention
• Carry out or support final accreditation assessments where appropriate
• Ensure qualified partnerships continue to meet ADUK standards

Planning, Oversight & Reporting

• Maintain oversight of Northern region partnership activity, including: Applicants, Dogs approaching match, Partnerships in training, Accredited partnerships receiving aftercare
• Escalate risks, delays or welfare concerns to the ADPM with recommended solutions
• Contribute to departmental reports and inspection readiness

Governance, Welfare & Compliance

• Ensure all Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity complies with ADUK and ADI regulations
• Liaise with the Health & Welfare Manager regarding health or welfare concerns
• Support rehoming outcomes for withdrawn dogs in conjunction with relevant teams
• Ensure accurate and timely record‑keeping within the Harlequin CRM system
• Occasional handling of the emergency phone, liaising with clients and volunteers to manage emergency situations

Stakeholder & Cross‑Departmental Working

• To ensure volunteers and Dog training contractors based within the Northern region are well supported by regional staff.
• Act as the primary Northern region contact for partnership‑related matters
• Work closely with Applications and Welfare teams
• Support fundraising, communications and volunteering activities when required
• Promote best practice and learning across the charity

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum 2years’ experience managing or leading staff in the Assistance Dog roles within an ADUK‑affiliated organisation
• Extensive experience delivering assistance dog partnerships, including training, placement and aftercarProven experience mentoring, supporting and performance‑managing staff
• Sound knowledge of ADUK and ADI regulations
• Strong organisational and caseload‑management abilities
• Confident working independently and managing competing priorities
• Comfortable working in the presence of dogs

Desirable

• Experience working with medical alert assistance dogs
• Knowledge of medical conditions affecting adult and child clients
• Experience supporting accreditation reviews or inspection processes

Knowledge & Skills

DESIRABLE

• Strong practical dog handling, scent training and knowledge of dog behaviour and development
• Excellent coaching, assessment and quality‑assurance skills
• Calm, clear and empathetic communication style
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in complex, client‑facing situations
• High level of IT literacy including Microsoft 365 and CRM systems

Other Requirements

• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness and ability to travel across the Northern region
• Willingness to stay away from home and have dogs reside in the home when required

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Values & Behaviours

Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.

Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:

• We are respectful
• We stay positive
• We strive for excellence
• We communicate and listen
• We are ambassadors
• We are one team

And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

You will be the first point of contact for apprentices, training providers and internal stakeholders, helping to drive engagement and ensure high-quality delivery.

This is a varied role ideal for someone confident with systems, data and stakeholder management, who is passionate about creating opportunities for learners and supporting staff development.

If you’re organised, proactive and excited about improving apprenticeship experiences across a large, high-performing education trust, we’d love to hear from you.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Reporting to the Apprenticeship Manager you will be responsible for:

• Acting as the first point of contact for apprenticeship queries, training providers and internal stakeholders
• Helping promote apprenticeship opportunities internally and supporting recruitment and upskilling initiatives across the Harris Federation
• Providing support to manage the Harris Federation apprenticeship levy, tracking costs, progress and compliance with funding requirements
• Organising and promoting Apprenticeship events and information sessions across the Federation and academy sites, supporting senior leaders in promoting apprenticeships and recruiting future apprentices
• Supporting internal and external marketing for apprenticeship activities as part of wider employer branding and promoting engagement events to increase awareness and understanding of apprenticeships
• Facilitating an apprenticeship network and supporting development opportunities such as award nominations
• Maintaining and advising on safeguarding compliance, including neuro-inclusion, in alignment with the Ofsted framework, especially for under-18 apprentices
• Supporting the Apprenticeship team with projects focused on implementation, procurement, quality assurance and evaluation to expand levy use or facilitate levy transfer
• Working with the marketing team to create marketing materials, update the Apprenticeship SharePoint, produce event leaflets and share internal communications promoting Apprenticeship programmes

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• The ability to establish a new role in the Harris Federation and work collaboratively with key stakeholders to deliver successful apprenticeship programmes
• Strong project management skills with experience of complex projects with multiple stakeholders
• Experience of working across a large organisation, developing and delivering initiatives and maintaining stakeholder relationships
• The ability to travel to Federation academies in and around London and Essex as required
• Experience of managing a Learning Management System within the FE sector and working with the third-party service provider to ensure the platforms are user friendly and up to date
• Supporting with tracking of tickets within the learning management system and working together with the third-party service provider to resolve any issues and ensuring the platform is fit for purpose
• Experience of ILR monthly declaration and its analysis using various MIS platforms

For a full job description and person specification please download the Job Pack.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance.

Habitat GB mobilises resources, partnerships, public engagement and advocacy to support high‑impact housing solutions in the UK and internationally, working closely with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) and the wider Habitat for Humanity network.

 Job Purpose

The Programme Development Manager role is a critical role in ensuring the development and progression of our programmes. The role is responsible for drafting compelling propositions for our UK programmes and both the proposal development and remote programme management oversight of our international work.  

Key responsibilities will include developing partnerships and delivering compelling propositions to expand our existing donor-base and programme reach. This role will also manage and support the delivery of impactful projects and be responsible for collaborating with our wider Habitat for Humanity network. This role is central to translating Habitat for Humanity's GB’s mission and strategy into high-quality programmes that maximise social impact.

This is a remote (home-based) role, with regular travel to internal meetings in London and occasionally for monitoring visits overseas. 

If this sounds like it could be a good match for you, please take a look at the Candidate Pack on our website for more details and how to apply.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 12th May 2026 (at 11:59 pm).

 Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Partnership and Proposal Development: Develop and deliver compelling partnerships to expand our existing donor-base

· Scope funding and partnership opportunities and engage with existing, new and potential institutional donors and programme partners through 1) desk research; 2) preparing donor/partner profiles; 3) updating an active pipeline of proposals and opportunities; 4) engaging, building and maintaining new and existing partnerships.

· Lead the proposal development and submission process of high-quality programmes – including narrative, Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks and budget preparation. This will require working directly with our network of National Offices (NOs), and Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), ensuring that Habitat GB aligns with the tools and processes that have been developed to support this work.

· Coordinate and lead proposal development meetings with NOs and HFHI, including taking the meeting minutes.

· Ensure that feedback and learning from project bids, both successful and unsuccessful, is shared across the organisation and is used to inform future thematic priorities and programme design.

2. Impact Delivery: Manage and deliver impactful projects

· Support National Offices to prepare and establish effective project management tools and mechanisms for grant set-up and project launches in close collaboration with HFHI.

· Coordinate monthly project management meetings for key projects with National Offices.

· Conduct monitoring visits (if necessary) to projects, alongside the provision of distance monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) and safeguarding support to National Offices and their partners. Collate data, ensuring it is of high quality and produced in line with grant agreements.

· Draft, review and edit/format project reports for timely submissions to donors in close collaboration with Habitat GB colleagues, National Offices/Branches and HFHI colleagues, ensuring donor compliance.

· Support the timely transfer of funds to National Offices, tracking progress against expenditure.

3. Collaboration: Across Habitat GB and the wider Habitat network

· Supervise and mentor Programmes Assistants and volunteers (where/when) applicable, supporting their development and the delivery of high-quality work.

· Actively participate in several Communities of Practice (CoPs) hosted by major donors and development networks for external knowledge sharing and learning.

· Present key thematic topics within Habitat GB quarterly for internal sharing.

· Post case studies and project highlights on Habitat GB website.

Person Specification

Experience

• Proven experience of partnership building with UK institutional donors (Essential)
• Experience in project proposal writing and familiarity with programming documents e.g. logical framework and Theory of Change models. (Essential)
• Experience of developing and maintaining effective document management and information management processes. (Essential)
• Experience and good understanding of best practice, knowledge management and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) and safeguarding in a programme context. (Desirable)
• International programme management experience preferably in a development context. (Desirable)

Skills / Knowledge

• Excellent report writing and content development skills. (Essential)
• Understanding of financial management processes, including excellent numeracy skills and proven ability to analyse budgets, project pipelines and financial reports. (Essential)
• Ability to undertake international travel to field locations in different parts of the world when the situation allows. (Essential)
• Clear and straightforward verbal and written communication skills. (Essential)
• Excellent attention to detail. (Essential)

Working Style

· Ability to work collaboratively with diverse global teams, across different time zones. (Essential)

· Self-motivated and organised, able to work under pressure to deadlines and use own initiative to solve problems with minimal supervision and adapt to challenges. (Essential)

· Enthusiastic and positive, with a can-do attitude. (Essential)

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:

· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.

· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.

· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.

The employment of this position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role.