Leadership programme volunteer jobs in Birmingham, west midlands

Head of Development 

Department: Development
Line Manager: Director of Audiences and Growth
Reports From: Development Officer, Freelance Bid Writer
Salary: £43,000 - £52,500

The Belgrade theatre has big growth plans with a vibrant programme; we are proud of our reputation for excellent stewardship and donor care. We are a National Portfolio Organisation, funded by Arts Council England, and enjoy the support of many individuals, trust and foundations and corporate supporters. We are now looking for an ambitious, creative, and energetic fundraiser to help take us into our next chapter. You might be an experienced Development leader or someone looking to take that next step, or perhaps this could be a lateral move from another related sector. We are open to discussing flexible working patterns, and you will be able to shape the role around your particular skills and experience. 
 

You will have the full support of the CEO, senior team and Board of Trustees, and we will work with you to ensure you continue to develop in your professional practice. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is making a real difference in supporting the Belgrade Theatre realise its Story of Change and continue to build on our co-creation model of developing theatre by and with the people of Coventry.

You will be joining us at an exciting time whilst we build the production of our new co-created show Nanny of the Maroons, and your skills and expertise in fundraising and income-generation activity, will support us to launch this production in a way that can have real impact for the people of Coventry; whilst shaping a sustainable future for the organisation, and achieving an annual revenue funding target of £450K. 
 

This is a hands-on role focused on delivering fundraising activity, supporting income generation through campaigns, events, partnerships and donor stewardship. You will build meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and funders, working on strategies that support artistic ambition, creative learning and community engagement programmes, and long-term organisational growth. 
This role will suit someone who is organised, proactive and confident in delivering fundraising activity, and who can bring practical ideas that connect with Coventry’s diverse communities.
 

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Director of Audiences and Growth, CEO, Artistic Director and Director of Producing and Co-creation. This role will line manage the Development Officer and oversee freelance bid writers. This role needs to have constructive relationships with all departments within the business including working closely with the audiences, marketing and communications team and colleagues across Box Office, Finance and Front of House. You will deliver a programme of fundraising activity including memberships, small, mid-scale and larger trusts and foundations, community fundraising, sponsorship and local business partnerships.
 

External: Trusts and Foundations, Donors, High Net worth individuals, Members, Individual Giving, Stakeholders, Volunteers and Business Networks
 

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organisational priorities 
• Lead on income diversification across individual giving/membership, major gifts, legacies, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, campaigns and events 
• Set and monitor annual income targets with clear KPIs and reporting structure

Fundraising Campaigns & Income Generation

• Develop and deliver audience-focused fundraising campaigns that support theatre programming, community engagement and audience development.
• Identify and implement practical income opportunities, such as round-up donations, maximising Gift Aid and testing messaging at key audience touchpoints.

Events & Community Fundraising

• Plan, promote and deliver fundraising events including donor evenings and follow up donor cultivation, community fundraising activities and donor profile events 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers to ensure events are well organised and provide a positive supporter experience.

Trusts, Memberships & Partnerships

• Research, write and submit applications to small, mid-scale and large trusts and foundations aligned with The Belgrade’s artistic, co-creation, educational and community activity to ensure we meet our target of 10% of turnover against fundraising activity 
• Review and refresh The Belgrade’s s membership schemes, sponsorship offers and local business fundraising opportunities.
• Develop proposals to support income from individuals, trusts and community partners.
• Establish and Develop a Legacy programme with the associated campaign 

Donor Stewardship & Supporter Care

• Support and steward donors, members and supporters through appropriate communication, recognition and reporting.
• Ensure donor recognition is accurate and visible across digital, print and in-venue materials.
• Experience of managing a varied pipeline of fundraising prospects, including identification of key internal and external milestones

Digital Fundraising & Communications

• Work with the Marketing team to create fundraising content for email, web and social media.
• Use storytelling to promote THE BELGRADE ’s charitable activity and encourage supporter engagement.

 
Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate donor records.
• Track fundraising income and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with GDPR, Gift Aid requirements and Fundraising Regulator guidance.

Planning, Collaboration & Good Practice

• Contribute to the delivery of agreed annual fundraising plans, supporting our Audiences and Marketing team by tracking activity and progress against targets.
• Stay informed about THE BELGRADE ’s artistic programme and community work, working with colleagues across departments to support clear and relevant case for support.
• Build and maintain networks with fundraising colleagues in the arts and charity sectors, sharing learning and good practice with THE BELGRADE particularly at a local and regional level
• Contribute positively to THE BELGRADE ’s inclusive, collaborative and community-focused culture, supporting volunteers involved in fundraising activity where appropriate.
• Set company wide strategies to maximise individual giving around our Making Memories campaign for Pantomime and our Stage for All campaign that supports co-creation. 

General

• Keep up to date with emerging technologies and industry trends to improve efficiency and fundraising potential.
• Maintain a strong applicable knowledge of the theatre’s programme, strategy and business plan.
• Attend staff meetings / training as required.
• Adhere to policies and procedures and act as an ambassador for best practice.

 
What Success Looks Like

• Reaching our fundraising target of £450k
• Growth in philanthropic income year-on-year
• Strong donor engagement, both recruitment and retention
• Increase in size and diversity of membership base including renewal of lapsed bookers
• A motivated, high-performing development team 
• Clear, compelling fundraising messaging around The Belgrade’s case for support embedded across the organisation 
• A sustainable funding model that supports artistic excellence and community impact

The postholder will be required to work from the theatre in Coventry, although some flexibility for occasional working from home is available subject to the needs of the business.  This role may require working weekends and evenings for attendance at Guest Nights and Stakeholder Events etc. from time to time for which time off can be taken in lieu. 

Please note the job description for this position may be reviewed and amended to incorporate future business needs.

Person Specification:
Essential - the successful candidate will meet the majority of these requirements.

• Experience delivering fundraising campaigns.
• Experience stewarding and supporting donors or supporters.
• Experience writing successful funding applications.
• Experience planning and delivering fundraising or community events.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of fundraising compliance, including GDPR and Gift Aid.
•  Awareness of current fundraising trends and inclusive fundraising practices.
• Proactive, organised and hands-on approach.
• Confidence building and maintaining professional relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Commitment to inclusivity, ethical fundraising and community values.
• Collaborative, adaptable and solution focused.
• Experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors or supporters
• Experience using CRM or database systems to manage supporter data
• Willingness to embrace the Belgrade’s Brand Values
• A genuine interest in inclusive arts, music and social impact

Desirable

• Experience of developing new fundraising initiatives from conception to realisation
• Experience of budget responsibility and reporting on achievements against targets
• Knowledge and experience of major gift fundraising

Apply Now
Upload your CV and Cover Letter
In your cover letter, tell us: 

• Why you want to work for The Belgrade Theatre?
• What experiences and skills do you have that you feel will illustrate your suitability for the role 

Our Commitment to Equality
 

The Belgrade Theatre is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including but not limited to individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths or beliefs, disabilities, and neurodiverse conditions.

We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our creative community and strengthens our connection to the audiences we serve. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to ensure that all employees and applicants feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.
 

If you require any adjustments, accommodations, or assistance at any stage of the recruitment or application process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will work with you to provide the support you need to make your application journey as accessible and comfortable as possible.

If you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme, please reference that in your cover letter or application

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM

The Belgrade Theatre is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, aiming to attract and work with staff from a wide diverse pool. The information that you give us on this form will be treated confidentially and stored on our HR database as statistical information only. This will be used to help monitor the diversity of applicants and to enable us to continue to develop policies and procedures regarding diversity and to submit required data to our funders. The information you supply will not be made available to anyone in any form other than anonymous data.

At the Belgrade Theatre, we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive and contribute to telling powerful, diverse stories that reflect us
as a vibrant community.

Ready for a role where your psychology can genuinely shape a developing service? PATH is growing, and we’re looking for a Clinical Psychologist who is energised by complexity, values-led practice, and the chance to build something alongside a passionate team. This is an exciting moment to join us—bringing your ideas, your therapeutic skill, and your professional leadership to a service that is ambitious about outcomes and relentless about care and compassion. 
 
We’re proud to be part of an Ofsted rated Outstanding provision, and we’re investing in psychological thinking as a central part of how we work. If you’re looking for a post with space for creativity, strong multi-disciplinary relationships, and real opportunity to develop specialist expertise, PATH could be the right next step. 

We warmly welcome applicants with strong knowledge of neurodiversity, early trauma and the experiences of adopted and care-experienced people, including those with lived or professional expertise. 

A values-based team you’ll want to be part of

You’ll be joining a warm, supportive and highly committed group of professionals who care deeply about the people we serve and the quality of our practice. We work collaboratively—sharing thinking, holding risk together, and making space for reflection even when we’re working at pace. Psychological safety matters here: you’ll have access to supervision, peer support and opportunities for CPD. 

What you’ll bring 

• Professional expertise in psychological assessment, formulation, intervention and consultation, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice. 

• Confidence with complexity—able to hold risk, uncertainty and co-occurring needs, while staying compassionate and person-centred. 

• At least two therapeutic modalities relevant to this sector (e.g., CBT, ACT, CFT, DBT-informed approaches, systemic/family therapy, EMDR, or other trauma-focused therapies), and the ability to integrate approaches thoughtfully. 

• Collaborative team working—you enjoy working across disciplines and with partner agencies, contributing to shared plans and shared outcomes. 

• Agility and pace—able to prioritise, adapt and respond to changing needs while maintaining high clinical standards and clear documentation. 

• A development mindset—motivation to contribute to a growing hub, improve pathways, and evaluate impact using outcomes and feedback. 

We’re also happy to discuss the opportunity with clinical / counselling psychologists who may be earlier in their career. If you can demonstrate a strong commitment to this sector—through relevant placements, roles, voluntary work, research, reflective learning, or lived experience that informs your practice—we would welcome a conversation. We’re interested in potential as well as experience: your values, your curiosity, and the way you work with people and systems matter to us. 

ROLE PROFILE

JOB TITLE:

Clinical Psychologist

ACCOUNTABLE TO:

Clinical Lead

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Clinical Director

HOURS OF WORK:

Full time / Part time

LOCATION:

Remote working with travel flexibility

DURATION:

Permanent

SALARY / GRADE:

Grade 8 £43,471 - £59,389(pro rata for part time)

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•      Clinical Director and PATH Clinical Lead
•      PATH team
•      AUK staff
•      Children and adults accessing our services
•      Referrers and external agencies as appropriate

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·Deliver high-quality psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for the PATH client group.

·Provide specialist advice, consultation and reflective practice to colleagues and partner services.

·Facilitating reflective groups for families referred to PATH.

·Identify and manage safeguarding risk in line with AUK policies.

·Contribute to multidisciplinary formulation and intervention planning.

·Support service development, evaluation and quality improvement, using outcome measures and feedback.

·Maintain accurate clinical records and produce clear, timely reports for a range of audiences.

·Provide line management and/or supervision within the PATH team.

·Contribute to the training offer within Adoption UK

·To contribute to and maintain accurate records for those using the service on Adoption UK systems and ensuring compliance with both GDPR, safeguarding and confidentiality.

CRITERIA

Knowledge and Experience

•Experience of working with children and families experiencing the effects of trauma and attachment difficulties (Essential)

•Extensive experience of working within the field of mental health (Essential)

•Experience of working with adoption services (Essential)

•Experience of providing clinical supervision to staff and therapists delivering services to vulnerable families (Essential)

•Knowledge and experience of safeguarding process and procedures (Essential)

•Extensive experience and specialist training/accreditation in relevant subjects and differing types of therapy such as DDP, Theraplay, Neurodiversity, Life story, NVR (Desirable)

•Knowledge of adoption services including AGSGF processes (Desirable)

Qualifications and Education

•Doctoral Level Clinical Psychologist (Essential)

•Current registration with a professional body HCPC (Essential)

•Evidence of continuing professional development (Essential)

•Training in a range of therapeutic modalities e.g. NVR, DDP, Theraplay, Internal Family Systems, Sensory Attachment Intervention (Essential)

Skills and Abilities

•Leadership and support skills

•Group work skills

•A reflective and empowering approach

•Strong application of theory

•Creativity and innovative approach to service delivery

•A commitment to the voice of children and families

Accountability

•Consultant Clinical Psychologist

•Responsible for maintaining own professional standards

•Responsible for delivering practice within the policies and standards of the charity

Behaviours

•Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.

•Contributes to an open and honest culture

•Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.

•Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.

•Leads by example.

•Values transparency and consistency.

•Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.

•Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.

•Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities

•Shares skills and knowledge.

•Promotes Cross Functional team working.

•Offers outstanding service to members.

•Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.

•Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.

•Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

•Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy

•Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.

•Takes pride in own development.

•Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.

•Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.

This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.

Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

Reporting to: Head of Major Giving   

Location of Work: Home based. The post holder will be expected to travel to meet donors, travel to away days and team meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland. Expenses will be paid in line with our Travel and Expenses policy.

Contract Type: Ideally full-time, 35 hours per week, although 28 hours/compressed hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work    

Contract Length: Permanent    

Salary: £43,500 

BACKGROUND    

Magic Breakfast’s mission is to end child morning hunger in the UK now and for good. The latest research suggests that 2.7 million children are at risk of hunger, meaning one in five children don’t have enough to eat. When a child is too hungry to learn, they struggle to concentrate, absorb information, and manage their emotions, causing them to fall behind in their studies. 

Magic Breakfast provides a nutritious breakfast to over 350,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target children most in need without barrier or stigma.

We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma. We are now at an exciting point in our journey as we launch Nourishing Futures, our long-term strategy, which capitalises on market changes and government commitments to scale our work, while redefining breakfast spaces not just as places to eat, but as places to thrive. 

In response to a challenging funding landscape, and to seize on the opportunities ahead, we have recently brought together our Philanthropy and Trusts teams into a unified Major Giving function, enabling us to build deep, values-driven relationships with high-value supporters.  

The Major Giving Lead – Individual Donors will play a pivotal role in this new function, leading all relationships with high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and ensuring exceptional donor care and engagement. Reporting to the Head of Major Giving, this role is a senior, strategic position crucial to driving the organisation’s fundraising growth and deliver against our mission. 

JOB PURPOSE   

The Major Giving Lead – Individual Donors is a senior, strategic role within Magic Breakfast’s unified Major Giving function, acting as the organisation’s expert on philanthropy. This role will lead and manage relationships with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), ensuring exceptional donor care, long-term engagement, and the growth of transformational gifts.  

Working closely with the Head of Major Giving, the Major Giving Lead will help develop and embed a cohesive Major Giving strategy, fostering strong synergies across the Major Giving team. In partnership with the other Major Giving Lead (Trust & Foundations) this role will create unified stewardship programmes, prospect development strategies, and engagement opportunities, ensuring a seamless and compelling experience for donors across all major giving streams. It will also work closely with the Business Development Manager (Scotland) to ensure effective ways of working across devolved nations and to unlock opportunities for HNWI in Scotland.  

This is a high-impact, leadership-focused role for a proactive, strategic, and relationship-driven individual, capable of influencing key stakeholders, shaping organisational approaches to major giving, and driving the growth of Magic Breakfast’s mission to end child morning hunger across the UK.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:    

Leadership and team collaboration  

• Act as the senior lead and subject matter expert for HNWI relationships across the organisation.  

• Work closely with the Head of Major Giving and Major Giving Lead – Trust & Foundations to develop and embed a cohesive Major Giving strategy, fostering strong synergies between Major Individual Donors and Trusts, with a clear link to synergies in other teams.   

• Support the Head of Major Giving and Trust & other Major Giving Lead in mentoring and guiding other members of the Major Giving Team.  

• Provide leadership, insights and expertise across the wider organisation to support the delivery of our new organisational goals, including through contributions to the sub-goal working groups and other enabling strategies.   

• Collaborate within the fundraising, and across other, departments to deliver cross-organisational initiatives, events and campaigns, championing opportunities to unlock HNWI giving.    

• Scan the external environment for trends, insights, ideas and best practice that could benefit the Major Giving team and Magic Breakfast’s work, making recommendations for improvements and leading on opportunities as they arise.  

• Work in close partnership with the Business Development Manager (Scotland) to ensure joined-up approaches to HNWI opportunities in Scotland, sharing expertise, aligning stewardship, and enabling effective cross-team working.  

• Flex to provide support across the Major Giving team where necessary, responding and supporting shared team-wide objectives and any trust and foundations work if required. 

Income generation, donor stewardship and prospect development   

• With support from the Head of Major Giving, deliver the 25/26 individual giving income target of c£800k by personally managing a portfolio of new and existing major donors and family foundations, with a focus on securing, renewing and uplifting gifts above £50k+ .   

• In partnership with other teams and departments, develop, test and roll out new data-driven approaches to target and reach new HNWI and other major giving audiences.  

• Work with our Prospect Researcher Manager to identify and execute opportunities to grow our prospect pool, including from across other teams, and to facilitate personal introductions and meetings with yourself or other Magic Breakfast employees/ volunteers – providing relevant briefings where appropriate.  

• Support and collaborate with the Business Development Manager (Scotland) where shared funder relationships or new opportunities arise.  

• Develop and implement tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for new and existing HNWIs, leveraging and building relationships within and across Magic Breakfast networks’ to support our fundraising objectives.  

• Support, and where required lead, on the delivery of cross-organisational projects including any major giving campaigns, collaborating closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Brand & Marketing, and other relevant teams, to project manage effectively and ensure activity is informed by insights and organisational expertise, and delivers against its KPIs with a strong return on investment.  

• Maintain a strong knowledge of the organisation strategy, business plan and opportunities for innovation and ‘value-add’, to identify and build accurate and inspiring giving propositions, wish lists and a persuasive case for support  

• Ensure exceptional relationship management and donor reporting, with high-quality donor care and stewardship techniques that speak to the motivations and interests of our donors, exploring ways to build our donor community – such as through giving circles.  

• Work with colleagues across the Major Giving and other income generation teams to design and deliver a calendar of bespoke engagement opportunities, events and experiences for donors and prospects, ensuring high-quality execution and timely reviews.  

• Champion innovation in donor journeys, engagement campaigns, and communications to maximize supporter impact and retention, ensuring everyone is aligned behind clear, measurable goals and delivers with purpose and consistency.

• Work with the Head of Individual Giving and Engagement to establish a clear mid-level giving programme and to ensure opportunities and leads are recognised and developed where possible and that there is a high-level of stewardship.

Financial Processes, Reporting, and Due Diligence  

• Support the Head of Major Giving to conduct effective annual planning and budgeting, setting, measuring and reporting against agreed KPIs and utilising data and insights to inform decisions and future planning.   

• Support the Head of Major Giving to prepare phased budgets and reforecasts, identifying and recognising opportunities and risks to income in line with activity plans and progress.  

• Ensure all HNWI income and activity is reconciled and recorded on Magic Breakfast database systems (Salesforce) with relevant supporting documents, including gift aid and gift instruments in place.  

• Work with finance and performance and relevant business leads to manage programme budgets and restrictions.  

• As requested, provide regular reports and updates to the Head of Major Giving, Director of Fundraising & Development and other stakeholders as required.    

General   

• Maintain strong communication and alignment with the Business Development Manager (Scotland), ensuring funder and donor activity is coordinated and opportunities are maximised across nations.  

• Ensure all donor due diligence is completed and compliant with ethical fundraising standards, GDPR and organisational policy.  

• Contribute to team meetings, sharing best practice and supporting team members where necessary  

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do  

• Uphold a culture that keeps children and young people at the heart and encourages openness, collaboration, bravery, compassion and a solutions-focussed approach  

• Work collaboratively across the organisation more widely to build good working relations across the organisation and provide ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff  

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures  

• Ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR and child safeguarding requirements (training provided)  

• Participate in occasional work-related events at external venues and perform support related activities, as required. Be willing to undertake occasional work outside of regular office hours and UK travel  

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role  

PERSON SPECIFICATION   

Knowledge and Experience    

• Experience generating income and developing a sustainable pipeline of revenue from high-net-worth individuals.  

• Experience of working with high level volunteers and/or committees to deliver major fundraising targets.   

• Excellent and proven knowledge of major gift fundraising methodology including prospect research, managing databases for major account portfolio management, proposal preparation and the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors.   

• Proven track record of successfully identifying, securing and cultivating six and seven figure commitments from HNWI.  

• Experience of building, leading and contributing to effective teams and relationships to achieve a high level of performance.  

• Understanding of Magic Breakfast’s cause and the challenges faced by families and children with respect to morning hunger.  

• A good understanding of the fundraising and philanthropy landscape in which Magic Breakfast operates and the relevant fundraising and data legislation and best practice.  

• Experience of effectively and authentically incorporating the voices and views of people with lived experience in fundraising activities.  

Skills and Abilities    

• Skilled and confident in soliciting major gifts, with a natural ability to ‘make the ask’.  

• High emotional intelligence and creativity to develop compelling campaigns, cases for support, and donor relationships.  

• Strong analytical and constructive thinking, with the ability to problem-solve, adapt, and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with confidence presenting to a variety of audiences.  

• Ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external.  

• Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.  

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality outputs.  

• A collaborative team player with the ability to work both independently and across teams, proactively engaging colleagues.  

• Skilled in identifying, escalating, and managing risk effectively.  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced level) and other Microsoft Office products; ease with IT packages such as Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.  

• Experience using fundraising databases (ideally Salesforce) as well as other systems, such as asana, to support performance management and reporting.   

• Ability to keep accurate and up-to-date records, adapting processes where needed to meet organisational requirements.  

• Understanding of Health and Safety and other regulations as they apply to events.  

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to thrive. For more information, please visit our recruitment pack via our webiste. 

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, HR @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 6th April

Interview 1 - 20th and 22nd April

Interview 2 - 27th April

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

Join our Psychology and Therapy Hub (PATH) and make a meaningful difference in everyday life for adoptive, kinship and care-experienced families. We’re recruiting an Occupational Therapist with specialist expertise in sensory processing/sensory integration and attachment-informed practice to deliver practical, trauma-informed assessment and intervention that strengthens regulation, participation and connection. 

• Make a difference that families feel every day: co-produce practical strategies that support calmer routines, better sleep, smoother transitions and greater participation at home, school and in the community. 

• Bring specialist sensory expertise: assess sensory processing and regulation needs and translate findings into clear, realistic plans for parents/carers and partner professionals. 

• Work at the sensory–attachment interface: use a trauma- and attachment-informed lens to understand behaviour and build felt safety and co-regulation alongside sensory strategies. 

• Thrive in an MDT: contribute an OT perspective to formulation-led work within PATH, collaborating with psychology and therapy colleagues to create joined-up support. 

• Flexible, UK-wide reach: deliver support primarily online with occasional travel for team days, training or commissioned work (as required and agreed). 

You’ll need: 

• HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist. 

• Strong experience supporting children/young people and their parents/carers (including complex presentations). 

• Proven skills in sensory processing assessment and intervention, including regulation strategies, activity adaptation and environmental modification. 

• Confidence working in an attachment- and trauma-informed way with adoptive/kinship/care-experienced families (or closely related work). 

• Excellent communication and report-writing skills, able to translate specialist thinking into practical, non-judgemental guidance that families can use. 

ROLE PROFILE

JOB TITLE:

Occupational Therapist

ACCOUNTABLE TO:

Clinical Lead

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Clinical Director

HOURS OF WORK:

Full time / Part time

LOCATION:

Remote working with travel flexibility

DURATION:

Permanent

SALARY / GRADE:

Grade 8 - £43.471

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•      Clinical Director and PATH Clinical Lead
•      PATH team
•      AUK staff
•      Children and adults accessing our services
•      Referrers and external agencies as appropriate

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Occupational Therapist (Sensory & Attachment) will deliver high-quality, trauma-informed occupational therapy assessment and intervention to families with a history of adoption, kinship care and long-term fostering. The postholder will bring advanced expertise in sensory processing/sensory integration and the impact of early adversity, attachment disruption and developmental trauma on regulation, participation and family life. The role will work as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) within PATH, contributing to formulation-led support, practical strategies and therapeutic approaches that strengthen safety, connection, and everyday functioning at home, school and in the community.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·Provide specialist assessment and intervention where sensory processing differences interact with attachment needs, developmental trauma, neurodiversity and emotional/behavioural presentations.

·Co-produce practical, strengths-based support plans with parents/carers and, where appropriate, the child/young person; provide clear strategies that are realistic for family life.

·Deliver evidence-informed interventions (1:1 and group-based as appropriate) including sensory-based regulation strategies, activity adaptation, routine design, environmental modification and caregiver coaching.

·Integrate attachment- and trauma-informed principles (e.g., PACE/connection-based approaches) into OT recommendations, ensuring strategies support safety, relational connection and felt security.

·Contribute to MDT formulation and case discussions, offering an occupational therapy perspective on function, participation, sensory-motor development and regulation

·Prepare high-quality written outputs including assessment summaries, recommendations, letters and reports suitable for families and professionals; contribute to documentation required for commissioning/regulated service evidence as needed.

·Support families to understand the sensory, neurodevelopmental and trauma/attachment factors that may underpin behaviour and distress, and to implement strategies safely.

·Maintain accurate, timely records in line with organisational policies, data protection and confidentiality requirements.

·Contribute to the development of resources (e.g., guides, webinars, workshops) that translate specialist OT knowledge into accessible tools for families and professionals.

·Contribute to delivery of training in your specialist area (sensory processing, regulation, sensory-attachment interface) internally and externally.

·Actively manage a caseload, prioritising risk and complexity, and working within agreed service pathways, timescales and outcome measures.

CRITERIA

Knowledge and Experience

•  Significant experience working with children and young people and their parents/carers.

•  Experience delivering assessment and intervention for sensory processing differences and regulation needs.

•  Experience delivering remote/online OT interventions and caregiver coaching.

•  Experience of group work (parents/carers and/or young people).

•  Experience of working with adopted children, previously looked-after children, kinship or long-term foster families (or closely related settings).

•  Strong understanding of attachment, developmental trauma and the impact of early adversity on regulation, behaviour and participation.

•  Ability to integrate sensory strategies with relational/attachment-informed approaches.

•  Training/experience in DDP, PACE, NVR, therapeutic parenting or other attachment-informed models.

•  Expert knowledge of sensory processing and sensory-based regulation strategies.

•   Ability to differentiate sensory needs from (and understand overlap with) trauma responses, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental differences.

•  Sensory Integration training (e.g., postgraduate modules) and/or recognised competency frameworks.

•  Knowledge of neurodevelopmental profiles (e.g., autism, ADHD, DLD, FASD) and how these can interact with trauma/attachment and sensory processing.

•  Ability to provide accessible psychoeducation to families and partner professionals.

Qualifications and Education

   •Degree/diploma in Occupational Therapy.

   •     Current HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist. Postgraduate       training/qualification relevant to sensory integration, sensory processing or advanced   paediatric OT practice.

•  Evidence of continuing professional development (Essential)

•  Training in a range of therapeutic modalities e.g. DDP, Theraplay, BUSS model, Sensory Attachment Intervention (Essential)

Skills and Abilities

   •         Experience of working within an MDT and contributing an OT perspective to shared          formulations and plans.

•Leadership and support skills

•Group work skills

•A reflective and empowering approach

•Strong application of theory

•Creativity and innovative approach to service delivery

•A commitment to the voice of children and families

Accountability

•Consultant Clinical Psychologist

•Responsible for maintaining own professional standards

•Responsible for delivering practice within the policies and standards of the charity

Behaviours

•Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at      all times.

•Contributes to an open and honest culture

•Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.

•Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.

•Leads by example.

•Values transparency and consistency.

•Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.

•Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.

•Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities

•Shares skills and knowledge.

•Promotes Cross Functional team working.

•Offers outstanding service to members.

•Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.

•Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.

•Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

•Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy

•Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.

•Takes pride in own development.

•Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.

•Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.

This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.

Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.