Peer to peer researcher volunteer jobs

Research Funding Officer (Operations)

18-month Fixed-Term Contract

Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 per annum, plus benefits

London N1

Full time – 37.5 hours a week 

We're a hybrid working employer, meaning you're required to come into the office at least 2 days per week currently Tuesday, and Wednesday or Thursday.

Closing date: 17:00, 15th April 2026

Interviews (in-person): w/c 27th April 2026

Second interviews: w/c 4th May 2026

Preventing cancer, saving lives

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to contribute to international research funding programmes and gain insight into how cancer prevention research is supported and delivered?

We are seeking a Research Funding Officer (Operations) to support the delivery of our research funding programmes, with a particular focus on the integration of the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) grant programme into the WCRF International portfolio. This is a fixed-term role for 18 months.

In this role, you will support the operational delivery of WCRF International’s grant programmes across both pre-award and post-award activities. You will contribute to the administration of grant calls, respond to applicant queries, process applications, support peer review and Panel meetings, and help maintain and develop our grant management system. You will also track research outputs, maintain grant records and contribute to internal reporting and analysis. 

You will have a relevant scientific background (e.g. nutrition, public health, cancer biology or a related discipline), with experience working in a research or administrative environment (ideally within academia or research management).You will have a strong analytical mindset and be comfortable working with data, systems and tracking processes, and be highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Strong communication skills and confidence interacting with a range of stakeholders is key as is being proactive, adaptable and able to work as part of a small, collaborative team.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone with strong organisational and analytical skills who enjoys working with data and complex processes. The postholder will gain a unique insight into the full research funding lifecycle, supporting both the pre-award and post-award stages of international grant programmes. Working closely with experienced colleagues across the Research Funding team, the successful candidate will develop a strong understanding of how research funding programmes are designed, delivered and monitored, while applying their scientific knowledge to real-world research projects. The role provides valuable experience in grant management, research administration and data analysis, offering a strong foundation for a future career in research funding and management, the charity or policy sector, or academic research.

Application Details:
If you are interested in this role and feel you possess the necessary requirements, please submit a current CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) by the closing date. You must have current right to work in the UK.

Please note: Your cover letter should highlight how your skills and experience will benefit WCRF International and equip you for the role.Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

This is an exciting new leadership role within User Voice’s London team, responsible for delivering two major programmes at the intersection of Health Justice and forensic mental health services.

The Project Manager will lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of these initiatives, ensuring they meet strategic objectives and deliver meaningful impact for participants and stakeholders.

This role is ideal for someone with lived experience of the criminal justice system who is already leading complex projects and managing teams and partnerships.

Alongside submitting your CV, please use your cover letter to answer the following questions: 

1. Your lived experience of the criminal justice system, how it informs your work at all levels & why you want this job.

2. Your project management experience (minimum two years).

3. Your experience supporting or leading volunteers, peer workers, or lived experience roles.
4. Your skills in facilitation, co‑production, engagement, and working with vulnerable groups.

5. You experience of working within complex systems such as prisons, NHS services, and/ or forensic mental health.

6. Your experience of being a line manager.

7. Your safeguarding and risk management experience.

Operation Smile is an international medical charity specialising in cleft surgery and care for babies, children and adults. Since 1982, the organisation has transformed lives through safe surgery and comprehensive cleft care, while strengthening local health systems through training, education and partnerships

Operating in more than 30 countries, Operation Smile raises around $100m globally each year. Operation Smile UK plays a vital role within this international network as a fundraising office, working closely with Operation Smile Inc. to fund programmes and support medical volunteers delivering care around the world.

The organisation is entering an exciting phase of development through its Operation 100 strategy, which focuses on strengthening surgical systems by supporting district hospitals closer to the communities they serve. This approach creates compelling opportunities for philanthropy, enabling donors to support highly tangible, life-changing interventions while helping build sustainable surgical capacity in low-resource settings.

Operation Smile UK has a strong individual giving programme and well-established relationships with corporate partners, trusts and institutional donors. Major donor fundraising, however, is still developing, presenting significant untapped potential and an exciting opportunity to help build a structured and sustainable philanthropy programme.

Operation Smile UK is now seeking a Philanthropy Manager to help grow major donor fundraising, building new philanthropic relationships and expanding support from HNWIs.

As Philanthropy Manager, you will:

• Develop and implement Operation Smile UK’s major donor strategy alongside the Director of Partnerships
• Identify and cultivate new major donor prospects through research, networking (internally and externally) and peer-to-peer introductions through supporters and board members
• Steward a small but warm portfolio of existing donors while focusing primarily on developing new prospects, delivering full lifecycle stewardship from cultivation through to long-term relationship management
• Develop compelling restricted funding propositions aligned with programmes, including geographically or thematically focused projects
• Lead cultivation activity including donor meetings, proposals, events and programme visits
• Represent Operation Smile UK confidently with major donors, prospects and senior stakeholders
• Contribute to the continued development of philanthropy fundraising within the wider Partnerships team
• Occasionally travel internationally to visit programmes and accompany donors, providing first-hand insight into Operation Smile’s impact

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience in major donor fundraising with a track record of securing five-figure+ gifts from HNWIs
• Experience managing the full lifecycle of major donor fundraising, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation and stewardship
• Strong prospect research and pipeline development skills, including identifying and developing new donor relationships from cold
• Experience and confidence in building rapport and trust with prospective major donors
• Experience engaging trustees, senior volunteers and colleagues in fundraising and leveraging networks for peer-to-peer introductions
• Confidence and credibility when representing an organisation to HNWIs and senior stakeholders
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to champion major donor fundraising in a collaborative and thoughtful way across the organisation
• A proactive, self-starting approach and the ability to identify and develop opportunities within a growing fundraising programme

Desirable:

• Experience in international development or global health fundraising
• Experience helping to develop a major donor programme from a low base or early stage

We are open to receiving applications from early career major donor fundraisers for this role. The role offers an opportunity to work alongside an experienced Director of Partnerships who has previously built major donor programmes and is committed to supporting the successful candidate through coaching and mentoring.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays, with 1-day additional holiday each year to a maximum of 30 days annual leave
• 6.1% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity package (min. 24 months service)
• Employee Assistance Programme

Operation Smile UK are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

Operation Smile UK are a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

Senior Research Officer

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

We currently have employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new strategy, On a Mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.
 

Job Summary - Senior Research Officer

We are seeking a confident and organised Senior Research Officer to join our small but ambitious Research Team. This is a hands-on role with real scope to contribute to how we fund and manage research, and to make a genuine difference to a programme that's helping to save lives.
 

The Senior Research Officer will lead the delivery of our grant funding processes from end to end - managing application rounds, overseeing the active portfolio, coordinating our scientific committees, supporting our research events and leading our approach to patient and public involvement in research. Working in a small, specialist team means you'll also have real scope to contribute ideas, help improve how we do things, and play a meaningful part in the development of the research programme beyond the day-to-day.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 16 April.

If you have a track record in grants administration, bring experience, confidence and good judgement, and are genuinely committed to making research funding work well, we want to hear from you.

 

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

Location:  Hybrid working - Part London office-based (E14) and part home working. The post holder will work a minimum of one day a week in the office. 

Salary: £31,800 per annum 

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Closing date: Tuesday 31 March 2026 at 10.00am 

Interview date: Wednesday 8 April 2026 on video on Teams and with possible second stage in person on Friday 10 April 2026. 

This is a permanent role. 

Who we are looking for 

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for an enthusiastic Events Fundraiser to help us build on this momentum.

You will take responsibility for the success of the Breakthrough T1D owned events, One Walk and Virtual Challenges as well as assisting on other key mass participation events. You will also build and maintain relationships with supporters and boost donations as well as working with the Senior Active Events Manager to build a successful portfolio of sporting events.

With a passion for events fundraising and relationship building, you may have worked for charities before in similar roles. You will have the ability to manage multiple projects, be skilled at developing and maintaining internal and external working relationships at all levels with an outgoing, confident, friendly, positive and professional personality. 

Experience required 

• You’ll have previous experience of: 

• Working in an events/fundraising based role

• Providing an exceptional level of customer care to donors/supporters

• Working to income targets

• Using a recognised CRM 

• Being part of a team with a varied workload 

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 

• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

This role are central to ensuring that the voices of people in the justice system shape the services that affect them. You’ll work directly across our Prison Councils in HMP Altcourse and HMP Forest Bank, as well as a range of community‑based projects regionally, and occasionally national. Some projects will require significant travel, so flexibility is essential.

• Full-time
• Permanent 
• £25k- £30k depending on experience 
• Bank holidays plus 25 days holiday 
• You must be off community order / prison license
• Probationary period: Six months

Job Introduction

The role is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding individual to join the Philanthropy and Partnerships team at Diabetes UK.  With more people living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing Type 2, our work has never been more needed. You will lead on enhancing the infrastructure, data, research and operations that enable the philanthropy and partnerships team to deepen relationships, secure increased income and deliver an excellent supporter experience. You will ensure compliance with fundraising best practice, support implementation of improved CRM functionality and process improvements to enhance our efficiency and impact as a team and develop data driven prospect research strategies that align donors to key priority ambitions to deliver sustainable growth.

Role description:

In this role you will

• Oversee prospecting and data and information management that underpins all of the Philanthropy and Partnerships teams activities working closely with external partners and internal stakeholders.
• Create and implement innovative and data driven strategies for prospect research, moves management, partnership approval and pipeline development
• Evaluate and provide critical analysis of fundraising and prospecting activity to deliver actionable insight, process innovation and project management
• Create project management plans for funding our ambitions and critical pieces of philanthropy and partnerships operational work
• Line manage a prospect research function
• Actively engage with the wider philanthropy and partnerships team, other directorates and external audiences to maximise opportunities for collaboration and growth.  
   

The ideal candidate:

We are looking for a highly motivated professional who thrives on working in a fast-paced complex environment within a large team. You will need: 

• good knowledge and experience of CRM relationship management, prospect research, philanthropy and partnership fundraising
• demonstrable experience in information and data management, analysis and fundraising operations.
• an ability to work collaboratively with key internal stakeholders, to support the development of relationships between philanthropists, partners and Diabetes UK
• to be an excellent communicator, problem solver, highly accurate and analytical in your work with good project management skills
• to be able to interpret information and make strategic recommendations
• to be flexible, agile and able to adapt to respond to internal and external changes
• to possess a solid understanding of charity legislation, fundraising regulation, and data protection.

For further information about the role please refer to the job description at the end of the page.

Providence Row has supported people facing homelessness in East London since 1860. Our Day Centre is often the first place people come when they need help. It is a space where people can eat, shower, speak to staff, and be welcomed with dignity.

As a Day Centre Assessment & Reconnection Worker, you will play a key role at that first point of contact. You will ensure people are welcomed calmly, understood quickly, and supported to access the right pathway. This is a role focused on assessment, decision-making, and connection rather than ongoing casework.

You will also support geographical reconnection where appropriate, including accompanying clients to local authorities across London, ensuring plans are realistic, safe, and grounded in dignity.

The ideal candidate

• Experience working with people affected by homelessness or multiple disadvantage.
• Confidence carrying out trauma-informed assessments and making clear, proportionate decisions.
•  Understanding of housing pathways, rough sleeping processes, and local connection rules.
• Ability to remain calm and boundaried in challenging or fast-paced environments.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust quickly.
• Good organisational skills and confidence using IT systems and databases.

Desirable

• Experience in a day centre, drop-in, or similar frontline setting.
• Knowledge of local authority homelessness duties and processes.
• Experience supporting reconnection or working across borough boundaries.
• Lived experience of homelessness or working alongside peer-led approaches.

Research shows some people, especially women and marginalised groups, may hesitate to apply unless they match all the criteria. However, we want to assure everyone that we encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of whether they fulfil every point in the job description. Your unique perspective matters to us – please apply with confidence.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Employee assistance programme
• Access to shopping discounts
• Learning & development opportunities
• Monthly reflective practice 

To apply
Please upload your CV with a covering letter, detailing how you meet the job specification by Friday 27 March 2026 at 23:30.

Interviews
Please note that we may interview on a rolling basis and therefore encourage early applications.

Providence Row is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales; company number 07452798 registered charity number 1140192.

We have an exciting new role at Bags of Taste!

We’re looking for an  enthusiastic and passionate experienced Corporate and Community Fundraiser to play a key role in the growth of our corporate and community income and develop new partners. This brand new role will develop fundraising opportunities with businesses and  community groups, helping to broaden our supporter base and strengthen long-term relationships. 

This is an fantastic opportunity for a motivated and proactive individual who is keen to make a tangible difference. This is the first time we’ve recruited a corporate and community fundraiser and there is significant opportunity to raise funds as our organisation grows. The issues of health and well-being across the population and food insecurity are urgent and our work directly addresses these critical issues. 

You’ll be a key part of the growth of Bags of Taste’s fundraising activity and will be able to make this your own role. We’re initially recruiting this role as a one year contract however we expect this to become a permanent role as funding allows and we’ll review this with the post holder after six months.

Key responsibilities

Corporate Fundraising

● Develop and implement a plan to raise funds from companies (this could be nationwide or within local project areas) with the Head of Fundraising and Comms

● Research corporate fundraising opportunities and develop a pipeline of prospects

● Approach new businesses to financially support Bags of Taste through presentations, applications, pitches and proposals

● Devise partnership opportunities where required eg volunteering days/fundraising ideas

● Work across the organisation to develop leads via staff, Directors and volunteers

● Account manage all corporate supporters in order to develop strong long-term relationships

● Attend networking events to develop new leads.

Community Fundraising

● Develop and implement a plan to raise funds from community groups. This could include events, peer to peer fundraising or volunteer led activity

● Provide guidance, resources, and encouragement to community fundraisersto help maximise their fundraising efforts.

● Attend networking events where needed.

Relationship Development and Stewardship

● Build and develop relationships with all corporate and community partners

● Develop fundraising tools and guidance for all supporters

● Ensure excellent stewardship for all partners in order to build strong, long term relationships. This includes good recognition and communication (reporting and updating).

Administration

● Prepare budgets where needed, track income and forecasts

● Maintain accurate records acrosscorporate and community fundraising

● Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations, GDPR and organisational policies.

General

● Support and supervise volunteers as and when required

● Attend and support networking events or other events or fundraising activity as required to represent Bags of Taste, including occasional working outside of normal office hours, including some evenings or weekends.

● Undertake other duties appropriate to the role to support the aims of Bags of Taste.

Person specification

Essential

● A minimum of  2 years of experience managing all aspects of corporate fundraising within a charity (including experience of securing new business, account management and stewardship)

● Experience of community fundraising

● A successful track record of securing corporate and community income

● Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills

● Excellent written skills - you’ll need to be able to write compelling presentations, proposals, applications and reports

● Ability to build a rapport with a wide range of stakeholders

● Strong negotiation skills

● Ability to network, build, and nurture relationships with a wide variety of people

● Excellent organisation and project management skills and ability to work to tight deadlines

● Proactive, self motivated and tenacious 

● Self starter with the ability to set your own workload

● Strong attention to detail 

● Strong IT skills including all Word packages

● Strong knowledge of all social media channels including relationship building on Linked in 

● Good understanding of the relevant fundraising codes of practice and GDPR/data protection

● Passion for the work of Bags of Taste 

● Flexible and able to attend networking events/events occasionally out of work hours as part of the role.

Desirable

● A relevant professional qualification eg Institute of Fundraising Certificate or Diploma in Fundraising or sales or marketing

● Good understanding of CANVA and WordPress

● Good understanding and knowledge of food insecurity and health issues

Why join Bags of Taste?

● You’ll be part of a small, ambitious organisation with a big vision and a strong sense of purpose. The issues around health inequalities and poor diets and the need for solutions are critical.

● This is a hugely flexible role in a supportive organisation.

About Bags of Taste

The work of Bags of Taste and the issues that we tackle are highly topical and relevant so there is a lot of opportunity and scope to raise funds from companies and the community. Our vision that everyone should be able to access and cook good food has never been more important. 

We address dietary related health inequalities and food insecurity - both these issues have been exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis and public health challenges. There is recognition now that food banks are not a sustainable solution and Bags of Taste works across a number of high need communities enabling people to be happier, healthier and more resilient.

Location: HMP Ashfield
Department: Prison delivery
Salary: £29,264
Hours: Full time (35 hours)
Contract Type: Permanent

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Ashfield. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our literacy and numeracy programmes at HMP Ashfield, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn. This role also includes providing daily assistance in the running of the prison library and of library outreach including facilitation of activity groups.

Ideally you will have some experience working within a prison environment, underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. You will have a love for reading and be able to help inspire others (including those who find reading difficult) to enjoy all of the benefits of reading for pleasure.

The role is prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

?Interviews are planned for 9th April 2026

REF-226 987

The Stuart Low Trust (SLT) is a well-respected and award-winning charity based in Islington supporting people who experience mental health issues and socially isolated.SLT was created to be radically different from other mental health charities – uniquely accessible, inclusive and community-embedded. You will be joining a small friendly team, where we care about staff wellbeing.We believe in trusting the expertise of our staff and giving them the freedom to thrive with regular help on hand when needed. 

We support over 500 adults per year through social groups -creative arts, nature-based activities, wellbeing workshops and peer support.90% of participants report improved mental health and wellbeing. 

Why Join Us?  
This is an opportunity to play an important role in a small but impactful charity.  Your work will directly enable adults experiencing isolation to access safe, creative and life-affirming activities. Perfect for someone who thrives in a small charity where you can see the impact of your work every week. 

Who we are seeking 
We are seeking a Fundraising Manager, who enjoys writing grant applications and building strong relationships with supporters. Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will have a primary focus working on our trusts and foundations pipeline, while generating around 10% of total income from other sources. We are realistic what is possible in 21 hours per week! 

We are seeking a fundraiser who combines: 

• A strong track record securing trust and foundation income 
• Excellent bid-writing skills 
• Experience generating income beyond trusts (corporate, community or individual) 
• Comfortable working autonomously in a small team 
• Experience in a mental health organisation or small charity is desirable but not essential.

Summary role description 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will: 

Lead Trusts and Foundations Income 

• Develop a pipeline of grant funders to apply to. 
• Write compelling, high-quality applications.. 
• Deepen funder relationships to secure repeat grants. 

Raise income from other sources 

Work with the Chief Executive to generate income from other sources with a realistic and achievable target of 10% total income via:

• Corporate partnerships in Islington, King’s Cross tech, creative industries and the City. 
• Community and individual giving, especially among affluent local residents. 

Build sustainable systems to support fundraising 

• ​Strengthen stewardship journeys including donor tracking systems and explore use of AI tools. 
• Contribute to fundraising communications and our profile-building. 

Why this Role is Different 
You will be stepping into an organisation in a strong position to build on: 

• Multi-year funding security (63% of next year’s income already secured through multi-year grants, 4 months’ free reserves, annual income circa £250k). 
• Trusted funders include City Bridge Foundation, Garfield Weston, Sport England and leading City Livery Companies. 
• Strategic Plan 2024–28 with clear goals. 
• Excellent impact measurement systems. 
• A highly experienced Chief Executive with 30 years in the charity sector. 
• A collaborative and supportive team, who understand fundraising is everyone’s responsibility. 

What You’ll Gain 

• Real autonomy and ownership 
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Occupational pension scheme 
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Access to training and development opportunities 
• Supportive management culture 
• A genuinely collaborative, values-led culture 

Location
Based at Jean Stokes Community Centre, Islington (5 minutes by bus from King’s Cross) 

Application instructions
Please note, while we appreciate the value of AI tools, we strongly prefer that applicants prepare their supporting statements for this purpose with minimal use of AI.This helps us to better understand your authentic voice, skills and motivation for this role.Thank you. 

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references. 

We are embrace diversity, equality of opportunity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that represents are variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.The more inclusive we are, the more we can achieve. 

Deadline for applications: Sunday, 5th April 2026 at 12midnight
Interviews: Monday, 20th April 2026 
Estimated Start:June/July 2026 

Specialist & Expert Advocate for Children - based in Scotland

Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse AAFDA

Remote – Based in Scotland with regular travel across Scotland

Salary – £33,000 pa

Full-time

Fixed term for 12 months (potentially 36 months dependent on funding)

Closing Date – 10th April 2026

AAFDA is a growing charity, and we are looking for a specialist Children’s Advocate to be based in Scotland. Although home based, travel will be required across Scotland. We welcome applications from candidates who are registered social workers and who have professional experience of working with people who have experienced domestic abuse.

We are also committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from those with Black and/or Minoritised backgrounds.

AAFDA was founded by Frank Mullane in memory of his sister Julia Pemberton and her son Will who were both killed by her ex-partner in 2003.

Scotland is expected to introduce Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews (DHSRs) in April 2026. We are looking for a candidate with a good understanding of the Scottish legislative system and good understanding around domestic abuse and how it impacts on children to join our growing charity. Each year, in Scotland, around 25 families lose a loved one to fatal domestic abuse, perhaps one third of this number being domestic homicides and the others being suicides following domestic abuse. The actual number of domestic abuse related suicides remains unknown.

Many of these families suffer significant problems including relationship breakdown, job difficulties/loss and mental and physical health issues. The Children’s advocate will provide expert advocacy, specialist peer support to children, and other services, helping them practically and emotionally. This may include helping them to contribute to DHSRs and providing opportunities to recover from harm for example via trauma therapy and other services.

Through trauma-informed approaches, you will help the children bereaved by fatal domestic abuse:

-To enhance their voice after fatal domestic abuse including by helping them to contribute to domestic homicide and suicide reviews and formal / informal meetings with various professionals.

-By providing residential peer support events, or access to these events for both the children and their carers.

-Via virtual support tools and other resources.

-By developing pathways into groupwork programmes for carers of bereaved children.

-Cope and recover by direct support and by linking into other services, for example, specialist trauma therapy.

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

· 25 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays

· Excellent development and training opportunities

· Pension Scheme

· Healthcare Scheme

· Employee Assist Scheme

Application Instructions

To apply for this role, please submit a supporting statement along with your CV. The closing date is 10th April 2026. Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages

Applicants will be shortlisted according to how well they meet the criteria in the person specification. Please highlight and explain how you meet these in your supporting statement. If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants.

Please note that we will not progress applications where the supporting statement does not address the criteria for the role being applied for.

The Organisation

LawCare is the mental health charity for the legal sector, providing free, confidential emotional support and information to people working in law across the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. While our primary focus is on direct support services, we also play a leading role in advocating for improved mental health practices within legal workplaces and driving cultural transformation through education, training, and research.

Established in 1997, we have spent almost 30 years supporting legal professionals by offering a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk, whether individuals are experiencing day-to-day pressures or more complex, enduring challenges. Our team of Champions, over 100 volunteers, and staff bring lived experience of the legal sector, enabling us to provide informed, empathetic support grounded in a deep understanding of the profession’s unique demands.

We serve all branches of the legal community, including barristers, solicitors, in-house teams, chartered legal executives, and business and support staff. From early-career professionals facing bullying or imposter syndrome to senior leaders managing risk, regulatory pressures, or professional  isolation, we are a trusted and independent source of support.

In addition to our direct support services - including helpline, live online chat, and email support - we provide peer support and maintain a substantial, regularly updated online library of resources, including articles, personal stories, research, and multimedia content designed to promote mental health awareness and resilience across the sector. We also deliver training on mental wellbeing, management and supervision, vicarious trauma, and the new SRA workplace behaviour standards, and offer online sessions for legal workplaces and organisations to explain the support we provide.

By combining frontline service delivery with sector-wide advocacy, LawCare is uniquely positioned at the intersection of individual wellbeing and organisational cultural change. We are supported by a strong, capable team and a committed Board of Trustees, enabling us to continue making a meaningful impact across the legal profession.

The Role

LawCare is seeking an inspiring and values-led Chief Executive to lead the charity into its next phase of development at a pivotal moment for the legal profession. As the public face and strategic leader of the organisation, the Chief Executive will champion LawCare’s mission - ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality, confidential support services while strengthening its voice and influence across a rapidly evolving and increasingly commercial mental health landscape.

This is an exciting opportunity to build on strong foundations, guiding a respected and independent charity through a period of significant sector change. Working closely with staff, volunteers, funders and partners, the Chief Executive will drive sustainable growth, deepen impact, and help shape a more compassionate and mentally healthy legal culture for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Impact

• Lead delivery of LawCare’s forthcoming strategy (2026 onwards), translating vision into measurable impact.
• Ensure LawCare sharpens its positioning and messaging in a crowded mental health marketplace.
• Balance direct support services, research, education and influencing work to maximise impact.
• Identify what the charity should prioritise and where it should collaborate rather than deliver directly.

External Relations & Sector Influence

• Act as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for LawCare across the legal sector in the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.
• Build and maintain senior relationships with:
  • Professional bodies
  • Regulators
  • Law firms and chambers
  • Legal educators
  • Funders and charitable trusts
• Speak regularly at conferences, sector events, roundtables and award ceremonies. These are primarily London based, however, there will be occasions where representation is required across England, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
• Build alliances to influence policy, regulation and workplace practice around mental health and wellbeing.
• Position LawCare as the authoritative, evidence-informed voice on mental health in law.

Service Oversight & Quality

• Ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, confidential helpline and peer support services.
• Maintain robust safeguarding, confidentiality and data governance practices.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, training and engagement.
• Ensure services evolve in response to emerging issues (e.g., stress, anxiety, workplace conflict, regulatory pressure, AI-related disruption).

Financial Sustainability & Governance

• Lead financial planning and sustainability, working closely with the Treasurer and Board.
• Manage relationships with core professional body funders and diversify income streams.
• Develop compelling funding cases and annual pitches to key stakeholders.
• Strengthen reserves and long-term financial resilience.
• Ensure strong governance, compliance and risk management.
• Support and work closely with the incoming Chair and a refreshed Board.

Research, Education & Prevention

• Build on the impact of the Life in the Law research programme.
• Promote preventative approaches for firms and educators.
• Strengthen LawCare’s role in vocational education and regulatory conversations.
• Ensure research informs policy influence and funding opportunities.

Organisational Leadership

• Lead, support and develop a small, experienced and fully remote team.
• Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, wellbeing and accountability.
• Provide clarity and reassurance during a period of leadership transition and financial strengthening.
• Ensure operational efficiency and effective use of technology in a remote environment.

The Person

LawCare is seeking a credible, strategic and values-driven leader with a deep understanding of the legal profession and the pressures shaping it today. You will bring senior leadership experience, strong commercial and financial acumen, and the ability to balance operational excellence with sector-wide influence.

An authentic and compelling ambassador for mental health and wellbeing, you will be an exceptional communicator who builds trust with ease. Emotionally intelligent, resilient and grounded, you will combine empathy with clarity and conviction, guiding the organisation confidently while remaining steadfast in your commitment to improving mental health across the legal community.

Essential

Professional Background

• Prior professional experience in the legal sector is required. Experience working in a qualified or regulated professional role is desirable.
• Deep, intrinsic understanding of the culture, pressures and structural dynamics of the profession.
• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, people and budgets.

Leadership & Influence

• Credible, visible and compelling leader with presence.
• Exceptional communicator - confident public speaker and strong writer.
• Knowledge of mental health systems, workplace wellbeing or addiction support.
• Able to influence senior stakeholders and bring sceptical audiences “on the journey.”
• A credible ambassador for mental health and wellbeing - knowledge of mental health systems, workplace wellbeing or addiction support.
• Comfortable operating at Board level.

Organisational Capacity

• Experience managing and motivating high-performing teams (ideally remote).
• Financial acumen, including budget oversight and income generation.
• Fundraising experience, particularly with trusts, foundations or membership bodies.
• Ability to balance operational delivery with strategic influence.
• Skilled at prioritisation in resource-constrained environments.

Personal Qualities

• Authentic commitment to mental health and wellbeing.
• Emotionally intelligent, empathetic and values-driven.
• Resilient and calm under pressure.
• Able to navigate sensitive conversations with discretion and diplomacy.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Experience working with regulators or professional bodies.
• Understanding of research commissioning or evidence-led advocacy.

Further information

For further information about LawCare, the scope of the role and the person specification, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up to date CV, with the details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification, along with your motivation for applying for the role.

Closing date for applications: Monday 30th March 2026
Preliminary interviews with Russam: Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th April 2026
Interviews with LawCare: Week commencing 20th April 2026

We look forward to receiving your application.

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a creative and dynamic person with a proven track record in creating, delivering and managing digital content across social media platforms to develop, implement and manage strategies to grow our online presence and raise our profile.

You’ll have demonstrable experience across a wide range of social media platforms with the ability to craft engaging content to build a rapport with your audience while continuing to uphold our brand and professional values. You will be managing multiple accounts held by the charity.

You will have experience of using third party management tools to create, plan and schedule content, analysing reach and engagement, and using analytical tools to help make informed decisions about our digital marketing strategies. You will regularly report back to the management team feeding into our wider strategy discussions, making recommendations on future campaigns. 

You will be part of a wider communications team, working alongside the PR & Communications Manager, reporting to one of the trustees, fostering an organisation-wide approach working with all colleagues to ensure a planned, structured and collaborative approach to our communications and marketing planning.
As a small charity, flexibility is key to meet the needs of our shifting priorities and in between delivering and managing social media content – your primary focus –  you will additionally support wider marketing activities with creation of digital content to support charity advertising, support the development of our online (web) content and more general activities across the communications team. While there will be some level of existing experience, training will be provided for anything bespoke.

As part of the role, you will help our UK-based volunteers to develop local social media activities and support them as required. This may involve making recommendations in their approach, supporting content creation and upskilling them to gain confidence in using social media.

The role is remote and the successful applicant can work from a location of their choice, making optimum use of video conferencing and online collaboration tools to connect with the wider communications team.

Some UK travel within the role is expected with the charity reimbursing reasonable UK travel costs where agreed up front and on behalf of the charity. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and lead social media execution, from planning through to delivery across multiple accounts and multiple platforms
• Develop content and strategy for new (to IA) and new-to-market platforms
• Develop and deliver relevant content that drives awareness, engagement and conversation in line with IA’s aims and objectives
• Work closely with communications peers, wider staff and volunteers to deliver meaningful campaigns which aligns to IA’s purpose and support model
• Upholding brand and culture in everything you do
• Co-develop policies relating to your area of responsibility to ensure the management of online risks, suitability to content, data protection and safeguarding
• Develop partnerships with key individuals, ensuring strong social amplification and storytelling
• Oversee social content calendars, asset production and approvals aligned to wider communications strategies
• Review and manage marketing assets, ensuring brand consistency and compliant content
• Adapt quickly to shifting priorities and confidently jump into new projects in a fast-moving 
• environment
• Support with the development/management of wider digital content (web, digital advertising) 
• prioritising the needs of the charity
• Monitoring all socials, reacting to/moderating follower engagement and questions as part of our wider support model
• Supporting volunteers with local branch social media engagement, advising on use, upholding IA’s wider values and policies and monitoring content/engagement suggesting changes where relevant
• Management reporting on social media interactions, successes, areas for development, improvements and making recommendations to the Management team/Board

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

• Experience in developing and implementing social media strategies and content in a similar role for at least 12 months 
• A thorough working knowledge of a wide range of social media platforms
• Third-party applications to manage social media content across a range of platforms in addition to regular reporting and provision of management information to help the team make informed decisions to support the wider charity’s wider digital marketing strategy. 
• Development of engaging and creative digital content
• Experience in social media moderation
• Working with and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships including our trustees, staff, volunteers and external medical professionals
• Digital marketing experience
• Team player 
• Familiarity with UK data protection regulation 

DESIRABLE

• Working knowledge of the Wordpress platform
• Advertising opportunities across social media to expand reach including cost models and budgetary management
• Basic understanding of AI and the benefits of using it within the not-for-profit sector
• Experience of working on sensitive content for people who have experienced acute and chronic illness, been through life changing surgery or those who may be feeling vulnerable or exposed at a difficult time
• Experience across the not-for-profit sector
• Experience of A/B testing

SKILLS & QUALITIES

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexible, adaptable in approach, creative thinker
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit:

1. Your CV (up to 3 pages) 
2. A covering letter outlining your suitability to the role (max 500 words)

Interviews will be two-stage for successful candidates. Initial interviews will be held via video conferencing (such as Zoom) discussing previous experience and role fit with successful candidates going through to a second round. This includes alignment to IA’s values. Please allow up to 1 hour for this stage.

Second round interviews are expected to be via video conference. Successful candidates will, at least one week in advance of the second round, be given a short brief and asked to provide sample content (or a clear idea of their marketing strategy) and share their ideas at least 48hrs before the interview. Candidates should be prepared to present their social media ideas at interview and answer any questions from the interview panel. 

Additionally second stage applicants will be asked to provide examples of their own previously created content, at least 48hrs prior to the interview. You should be comfortable sharing past content that you have created previously which will be treated with the strictest confidence. Please allow up to 1 hour for this stage.

Applications should be submitted via the advertising platform including your CV and covering letter. See attached role profile for recruitment timetable and further details about us/the role, including contact details for an informal chat, if required, before applying. Applicants are encouraged to ensure availability in line with the recruitment timetable in the attached job specification.

While IA recognises the value of AI technology in the current climate, IA reserves the right to ignore applications where we have reason to believe that they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools.

Please let us know if you require any additional support to attend or undertake an interview or if there is anything we should consider as part of the interview process