Policy advocacy manager jobs

Imagine working alongside young people who've challenged Meta's hate speech policies, won national awards, and brought a sofa on wheels to a protest. Coventry Youth Activists (CYA) is the UK's only youth-led campaign group run by and for disabled young people—70% of members have learning disabilities—and they need a Community Organiser to help them take on one of their biggest fights yet: defending SEND rights.

This isn't traditional charity work. CYA doesn't lobby for disabled young people—they campaign as them. From Mad Hatter's Tea Parties outside Facebook HQ to high-level negotiations with decision-makers, their approach is bold, creative, and effective. As one member puts it: "Leadership doesn't have to look a certain way... That's what we do at CYA."

What you'll be doing

You'll support CYA members to challenge urgent threats to their rights—particularly government reforms affecting SEND (Special Educational Need and Disability) rights. This means:

• Developing campaign strategies and power mapping decision-makers with young activists
• Facilitating actions, media engagement, and high-level negotiations
• Coaching young leaders and building their confidence to take the lead
• Creating alliances and expanding CYA's reach and influence
• Ensuring everything is accessible, inclusive, and driven by lived experience

You won't be doing this alone. You'll be part of Grapevine, an award-winning charity with years of community organising expertise, working within a supportive team that believes in joyful organising.

Who we're looking for

We want someone with proven campaigning experience and strong facilitation skills—but just as importantly, someone with creativity, a passion for justice, and the ability to work inclusively with young people with learning disabilities.

Essential skills and experience:

• At least one year's community organising or campaigning experience with clear evidence of wins
• Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively, especially with people who have learning disabilities
• Strong facilitation and communication skills
• Experience building alliances and developing others
• Creative problem-solving and a genuine passion for justice

Benefits include:

• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• 8% non-contributory pension (Grapevine pays the full amount)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A culture of learning, reflection, and genuine support

Grapevine is a place where you'll have freedom with support, real opportunities to grow, and work that creates lasting impact. Our team describe it as a "powerhouse" that feels like a second home.

About Grapevine

We're an award-winning charity helping communities across Coventry and Warwickshire take collective action. We're nationally recognised for our community organising approach and we're accredited trainers for the National Community Organisers programme. We believe those who face challenges are best positioned to lead solutions—and we provide the support to make that happen.

"Grapevine is a fantastic organisation—bold, innovative and caring. It manages to balance positive outcomes for individuals and communities with system change—a very rare thing." — Tim, Community Leader

Equality and Inclusion

Fairness and inclusion are part of who we are—going back to our origins as a disability charity. We actively seek people from all backgrounds and AIM TO remove barriers to equal opportunity. We welcome applications from everyone.

Campaigns Lead
Hours: 35 hours per week, permanent, subject to a probationary period
Salary: £34,434 to £36,363 – NJC Scale Points 23 to 25
Based: Working from home, with regular meetings across Greater Manchester; occasional travel to other cities.

BHA is a leading health and social care charity that works to challenge health inequalities and support individuals, families & communities to improve their health & well-being.  We offer a range of unique services delivered at local, regional, and national level in the areas of health promotion, community health education and engaging and involving communities in health and social care decision making.

The Campaigns Lead is responsible for creating and coordinating health campaigns across BHA.The role will support all our projects, and our core team, with their campaign work, collecting meaningful data about the work of BHA, raising the profile of these issues and ensuring that the voices of our service users are heard far and wide.

The successful applicant should bring a proven track record in developing and delivering health awareness campaigns or public health communications. You should have strong experience creating engaging content for digital platforms and social media, and a commitment to working with marginalised communities, particularly Ethnic Minority communities and LGBTQ+ people.

We are looking for someone who can use data and evaluation to measure effectiveness, and who has experience of stakeholder engagement and partnership working in the VCSE sector.The post holder will have the following essential criteria:

• Experience of developing and delivering health awareness campaigns or public health communications
• Experience of creating engaging content for digital platforms and social media
• Experience of working with marginalised communities, particularly Ethnic Minority communities and/or LGBTQ+ people
• Experience of using data and evaluation to measure effectiveness and inform decision-making
• Experience of stakeholder engagement and partnership working in the VCSE sector or similar
• Commitment to BHA's values and ethos
• Willingness to occasionally work unsociable hours, including the occasional overnight stay

Benefits of working with BHA:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays pro rata
• Birthday leave
• Employee Assistant programme (includes income protection)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced occupational sick pay
• Flexible working

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Aydin Djemal to arrange an informal telephone discussion.You can apply by completing the Application Form on our website and submitting it in line with the instructions provided.Your application must detail how you meet the points asked for in the person specification.  

CVs will not be accepted, and applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of appointment. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship.

We carry out right to work checks fairly and without discrimination.Appointment is subject to a Basic DBS check. We only request information we’re legally entitled to and assess it in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and DBS filtering rule.

The closing date for applications is 2 March 2026

Interviews will be held on Interviews w/c 09 March 2026

Reasonable adjustment
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity, and inclusion.  We welcome applications that represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve.  As a disability confident employer, we actively work to remove any barriers. Therefore, if you have a disability and have any particular requirements to enable you to participate in the application process, please email us at any stage.

Unseen is working towards a world without slavery. We provide safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. We also run the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline and work with individuals, communities, businesses, governments, other charities, and statutory agencies to stamp out slavery for good. 

Purpose of the role:

You will help form part of a UK-wide team of remote Helpline Advisors operating the only modern slavery specific helpline in the UK. After completing our training package for new Helpline Advisors (approximately four weeks) you will begin working as part of a collaborative and dynamic team responding to a variety of callers and contacts.

You will be answering incoming calls, making callouts, sending emails, drafting referrals to external agencies, and maintaining accurate data will be your day-to-day responsibilities.

You will contribute to a service that as well as providing information, advice and guidance to our service users, also helps create one of the largest non-governmental bodies of data on the scale of modern slavery in the UK which is used to influence strategy and policy at local, national and international levels.

You will provide trauma informed and person-centred information, advice, and guidance to a variety of caller types, including people in and out of exploitation, professionals, members of the public, and businesses.

To apply: 

• Please complete the application form attached. This includes a personal statement of 500 words outlining your suitability for the role, and;
• Please send a copy of your CV to jobs @ unseenuk. org with reference to the job title.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 1 March 2026. This deadline is likely to be brought forward if sufficient applications are received by an earlier date. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

As an organisation focused on equality and diversity, we welcome applications from all sections of the community and all backgrounds, including those with a lived experience of modern slavery, those from ethnic minority groups, those with disabilities and those from the LGBTQ+ community. 

 Any questions, please contact jobs @ unseenuk. org. 

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) to recruit its first Chief Executive Officer.

Zoe's Place was founded in Liverpool in 1995 as the first hospice in the UK specifically providing for the needs of babies and younger children. Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) was established in December 2024 and took over full responsibility for the management of the hospice on May 1st 2025. In late 2024 the people of Liverpool, the North West, and even further afield helped us to raise more than £7,000,000 to secure the future of our hospice, and to build a state-of-the-art new facility in West Derby.

Our team of specialist nurses and healthcare assistants are supported by a wide range of other healthcare professionals to provide respite care, therapies and bereavement care to babies and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families.

As Chief Executive, you will:

· Bring inspirational leadership to the LZP.

· Manage, plan and implement LZP’s strategy.

· Ensure the Hospice provides and promotes excellent clinical care.

If you are inspired and excited by what Liverpool Zoe’s Place does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Zoe's Place, Yew Tree Lane, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 9HH

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Liverpool Zoe’s Place, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026

Both Liverpool Zoe’s Place and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Make a meaningful impact through people focused change and engagement.

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Are you passionate about creating exceptional workplace and volunteer experiences? Do you have the expertise to guide organisations through change with empathy, clarity and connection? Are you available to start immediately? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

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We’re looking for a Senior Engagement & Change Officer to help bring Samaritans’ internal engagement plan to life, supporting how we communicate, engage and inspire our staff and volunteers across the UK and Ireland. You’ll play a vital role in shaping our internal culture and driving positive, inclusive change across the organisation.

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Working alongside key stakeholders, including senior staff and volunteer leaders, you'll be responsible for developing and delivering impactful internal communication plans to support key projects and campaigns, helping us explain changes, showcase achievements, share stories and save lives.

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Contract

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• 12 month fixed term contract
• £40,000 to £42,000 per annum depending on experience plus benefits
• Full time (35 hours per week)
• Hybrid working - linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office with home and office working
• Office based working encouraged as a minimum of 2 days per month
• We are passionate about flexible working, please talk to us about your preferences.
• Due to the urgency of this role, we are ideally looking for someone to join us as soon as possible. We are unable to consider individuals with more than a one month notice period.

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What you’ll do 

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• Lead change engagement - Provide expert change management support for key cross-organisational projects, ensuring our people feel heard, informed and involved.
• Engage and connect - Support the delivery of our internal engagement plan, ensuring volunteers and staff across all locations are kept engaged and connected.
• Listen and act – Help manage our biennial engagement surveys, delve into the results, and project manage the follow-up actions that truly make a difference
• Create compelling communications - Write and coordinate thoughtful, clear and inclusive internal communications that support key changes and build trust.
• Build capability - Support colleagues in developing their own communication and engagement skills, helping us embed good practice across teams.
• Champion collaboration - Work closely with senior leaders, teams, and volunteers, including the Executive Leadership Team and Board members—to keep engagement aligned with our values.

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What you’ll bring

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• Experience managing change and engagement projects, ideally across complex organisations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work with senior staff and volunteers.
• A genuine commitment to positive staff and volunteer experience, diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to adapt tone and style.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive, well-organised and solutions-focused approach.
• Experience working in a charity or not-for-profit setting, and/or with volunteers, would be beneficial.

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Full Job Description and Person Specification below

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Why Samaritans?

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At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

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For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

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We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

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Apply now

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Please note that we are seeking candidates who are available to start immediately.

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We’re moving faster than usual for this role because it’s critical to our current work. While this isn’t our usual approach, on this occasion we may need to interview candidates ahead of the closing date.

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We value your time and interest in our cause and in this case, we recommend only applying if you are able to start quickly and are also available to attend virtual interviews in the weeks either leading up to or immediately after the closing date for applications.

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If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV and covering letter.

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Applications will close at midnight on Tuesday 10 February 2026, with video interviews expected to take place 12 February – or earlier, if suitable applications are received before the closing date.

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We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, cover letter or to generate interview answers. Your written and verbal communication skills need to be of a high standard for this role and we want to see your style and personality really shine through in your responses. While it’s important that your application stands out from the crowd, we also want it to showcase you and your strengths – not that of a chatbot!

Multilateral and Economic Diplomacy Adviser

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Multilateral and Economic Diplomacy Adviser

Location: London

We’re looking for a Multilateral and Economic Diplomacy Adviser to bring strategic diplomacy and economic insight to our small but mighty advocacy team. This is a fixed-term role for 12-18 months, and we are open to secondments. This is a unique chance to work at the heart of global efforts to tackle air pollution and climate change.

In this role, you’ll help drive international action on clean air – shaping diplomatic strategies, building influential partnerships, and strengthening the economic case for bold, coordinated action. Our advocacy spans major global platforms including the UNFCCC COP and G20, as well as regional and mini-lateral diplomacy. It also includes working with governments, UN agencies, funders and civil society to deliver real‑world impact.

While expertise in both diplomacy and economics policy would be an advantage we are also interested to hear from candidates who are very strong in one of these areas. 

What You’ll Do

• Design and deliver diplomatic strategies for putting air pollution action on the agenda at multi-lateral, regional and mini-lateral fora.
• Manage engagement with governments and multilateral bodies
• Represent CAF at international forums and support senior leaders’ high‑level engagements.
• Manage grants, service contracts and research projects that inform policy and diplomacy.
• Support the development of a new strand of work making the positive economic case for action on air quality
• Act as expert counsel for teams on air quality related economics and / or diplomacy
• Produce policy briefs, insights and recommendations to advance our advocacy.
• Provide political intelligence and identify opportunities across shifting geopolitical contexts.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong experience influencing policy within multilateral or regional diplomacy and/or expertise in economics and translating this into policy action (expertise in both will be an advantage)
• Proven ability to build trust and partnerships with governments and international organisations.
• Confident communicator, able to represent CAF externally and prepare senior leaders for key engagements.
• Excellent project management skills, ideally including oversight of research, grants or contracts.
• A strategic, adaptable thinker who can navigate complex political environments and deliver results.

For more information on this role, as well as the full person specification please see the job description.

• Closing date – 8th February 2026
• Salary – GBP 55,518 - 71,310
• Type of employment - Fixed term contract

At Clean Air Fund, we’re guided by purpose and grounded in evidence. Our culture combines clear structures and rigorous frameworks with space for fresh thinking and collaboration across diverse perspectives. We value curiosity, openness and a shared commitment to making a measurable difference.

As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, returning parents, carers or any other aspect which makes them unique. We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups  to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps we can take to ensure that the recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable. We are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of our employees from all forms of harm. 

About this role: Based in Higher Openshaw, East Manchester, Justlife currently works across Manchester and Tameside providing one-to-one key work support to empower vulnerable adults housed in temporary accommodation (TA) to move towards more secure housing, independent living and improved health and wellbeing. The role of Specialist Support Worker involves playing an active part in the Specialist Support Team by supporting a caseload of clients that are experiencing housing vulnerability and taking part in regular outreach visits to TA’s across Greater Manchester on the Justlife minibus. The role requires the use of specialist knowledge and relationship skills to support clients with varying degrees of mental and physical health, addiction and trauma related issues to engage with health services and to access suitable housing solutions. The Specialist Support Worker is also expected to develop good working relationships with TA Landlords and Managers recognising the important role that they play in ensuring that their tenants experience of TA is as positive as possible. This will include advocacy in registering them for medical services and accompanying them to appointments, assisting them in addressing all aspects of physical and mental health and addiction needs, as well as advocating for them to get access to suitable housing and social security benefits. The role is dependent on excellent communication and collaborative working with colleagues and a variety of partners and professionals, including the Probation Service, local council services and other third sector organisations. The role requires a high degree of motivation in addition to creativity and flexibility to support people with multiple and compound needs. With a passion to work collaboratively with others for the good of our clients, and with experience of working in a related field in a voluntary or paid capacity. A high degree of emotional intelligence is required to support clients, many of whom have complex emotional needs, with backgrounds of trauma, neglect, abuse and involvement in the criminal justice system. In a role of this nature you will experience a range of emotions from joy to grief and as such it requires a high degree of resilience and self-awareness to cope with the emotional demands of the role. The role sits within a highly supportive team with all staff in receipt of regular line management and external clinical supervision; with reflective practice actively encouraged in team meetings.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful frontline impact with a London-based charity supporting individuals involved in or at risk of sexual exploitation and survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. You will have the opportunity to build trusted relationships, advocate within complex systems and deliver holistic support that genuinely changes outcomes. If you are passionate about using your skills to support people to regaining safety, stability and choice in their lives,  please apply. 

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Citizens Advice Westminster to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Citizens Advice Westminster provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice and information to local residents, some of whom are the most vulnerable in society. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.

We work with local community organisations to make a difference to the lives of people in Westminster through advice, research and campaigning. Citizens Advice Westminster delivers a high quality, agile advice service which reflects the issues and needs of our communities, and which puts clients first.

As Chief Executive, you will:

•Lead and manage the work of Citizens Advice Westminster in its mission to improve the lives of residents through delivery of a comprehensive information, advice, and casework service across the City of Westminster.

•Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to shape the organisation’s strategy, direction, and policies.

•Provide a strong and influential voice for Citizens Advice Westminster as the ‘public face’ of the organisation.

If you are inspired and excited by what Citizens Advice Westminster does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £67,991 p.a. (The salary is on a progressive pathway)

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: The Stowe Centre, 258 Harrow Road, London W2 5ES

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Citizens Advice Westminster, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am Friday 20th February 2026

Both Citizens Advice Westminster and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Citizens UK 

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Citizens UK has played a pioneering role in introducing and developing community sponsorship of refugees in the UK. In response to the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015, we campaigned successfully for the introduction of community sponsorship in the UK. Citizens UK was then instrumental in proving the model can work in the UK and through training, advocacy, and coordination, we have helped hundreds of local groups welcome thousands of refugee families. In 2022, Citizens UK expanded its work by launching the Communities for Ukraine programme, matching Ukrainian refugees with UK hosts and most recently has run Communities for Afghans, resettling dozens of refugees. Throughout, it has combined grassroots organising with national advocacy to build a sustainable, community-led model of refugee resettlement. In 2025, we campaigned successfully to persuade the Government to introduce ‘named sponsorship’, giving communities greater choice in who they would sponsor. This creates a huge opportunity to grow community sponsorship and to enable UK civil society to step up and honour our proud tradition of offering sanctuary.

Head of Community Sponsorship Role 

This is a rare opportunity to lead Citizens UK’s community sponsorship campaign and help build the movement that will be at the heart of a community-led welcome.

This new role comes at an exciting and crucial time, as we seek to build and embed this new form of named community sponsorship in the UK. As Head of Community Sponsorship you will lead on our strategy to develop named sponsorship as a transformative part of the UK’s approach to refugee resettlement and community power. This will involve building a broad-base of civil society partners ready to sponsor refugees and to add their voice to the campaign. You will lead on the campaigning and advocacy strategy as we ensure quality in the Government policy and cross-Party political support. Citizens UK acts as the Lead Sponsor for local community sponsorship groups and you will oversee their ongoing support and further engagement.

The role foster collaboration with Citizens UK Organisers and alliances, develop sustainable funding strategies, and ensure alignment with Citizens UK’s broader migration and transformation goals. The role will work alongside Citizens UK’s Migrant and Refugee Organising Team and will contribute to the efforts to build the power to create a more welcoming country. You will lead on relationships with senior stakeholders, policy makers, and funders, and support the creation of campaigns and resources to expand public awareness and support for community sponsorship. With responsibilities spanning communications, and external representation, the role is key to shaping Citizens UK’s refugee resettlement strategy and building its national impact as a driver of cohesion. 

Working as the Head of Community Sponsorship for Citizens UK, reporting to the Assistant Director for Migrant and Refugee Organising (MARO), your main responsibilities will include: 

Career Pathway Headings 

Objectives 

Contribute to Citizens UK and Project Strategic Objectives 

• Build a broad and deep engagement across civil society in named sponsorship, demonstrating the potential for scale and the big tent of support.

• Develop and implement campaign approaches that secure policy goals and build cross-Party political support.

• Develop strategy that develops the leadership of local Citizens members and refugees, strengthens civic institutions and builds trust across difference.

Build and Manage Projects & Achieve Work Targets Effectively 

• Oversee multiple work strands, working in partnership. 

• Develop and manage project workplans, KPIs and budgets, ensuring delivery to time, standard, and impact goals. 

• Establish systems for performance tracking, evaluation, and continuous improvement across project streams. 

Learning, Expertise, Wellbeing & Inclusion 

• Act as a senior expert in sponsorship strategy; coach and mentor staff and partners, and facilitate learning across departments and projects. 

• Influence and lead the integration of equity, wellbeing and refugee voice into strategic decisions and delivery frameworks. 

Develop and Manage External Relationships 

• Lead high-level relationships with national and senior stakeholders, including government departments (e.g. Home Office), civil society institutions and funders. 

• Build and manage partnerships that advance sponsorship reform and position Citizens UK as a sector leader. 

• Ensure stakeholder experience is consistently excellent and take the lead on resolving reputational risks or tensions. 

Communications 

• Act as a senior spokesperson for Citizens UK’s sponsorship work in the media, at public events, and in government or civil society forums. 

• Lead the design and implementation of a high-profile communications strategy to influence narratives on refugee welcome and community leadership. 

• Ensure communications align with ethical storytelling principles and amplify sponsor and refugee voices responsibly. 

Develop and Manage Internal Relationships 

• Lead and develop high-performing cross-functional teams, with clear expectations, direction, and collaboration structures. 

• Effectively line manage senior staff and foster shared leadership culture across sponsorship and Citizens UK team 

• Ensure that the community sponsorship strategy is aligned with Citizens UK’s other campaigns and work closely with other members of Migrant and Refugee Organising team. 

• Contribute to senior leadership structures, including strategic planning processes and transformation initiatives. 

Generate Income and Resources 

• Initiate and grow significant and sustainable income streams to fund Citizens UK’s sponsorship work. 

• Develop and lead high-value funding partnerships with trusts, foundations and strategic donors. 

• Demonstrate strong budget oversight and ensure effective use of financial and human resources in sponsorship delivery. 

Personal Specification 

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential 

Qualifications 

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as migration, social policy, international development, or community organising (D) 

• Management or leadership qualification, or relevant CPD in project or programme management, public policy, or team leadership (D) 

Experience 

• Proven experience in leading complex, multi-stakeholder programmes related to refugee resettlement, community organising, or social impact (E) 

• Demonstrable track record of strategic leadership in a charity or community-focused setting (E) 

• Experience of managing cross-functional teams to deliver against ambitious organisational goals (E) 

• Experience of developing and sustaining strategic partnerships with civil society organisations, local authorities, or government departments (E) 

• Experience in leading campaigning and influencing strategies to secure changes in Government policy (E) 

• Experience of designing and implementing systems for monitoring, evaluation, and learning to track progress and report to funders and or government stakeholders (D) 

• Demonstrable experience of driving collaborative campaigns or outreach efforts that engage diverse communities (E) 

Key skills and knowledge 

• Strong leadership and team coordination skills – able to motivate, direct, and support multidisciplinary teams across multiple workstreams (E) 

• Excellent project and performance management skills – able to set strategic priorities, delegate effectively, and ensure accountability (E) 

• In-depth knowledge of refugee resettlement systems, community sponsorship models, and UK migration policy, including recent developments affecting Afghan and Ukrainian pathways (E) 

• Knowledge and skills in community organising and an understanding of how community sponsorship and campaigning connect with and support the method and aims of organising (E) 

• Outstanding written and verbal communication – confident in producing compelling cases for support, policy communications, and public messaging (E) 

• Ability to design and deliver stakeholder engagement strategies, with a clear understanding of influencing policy and public opinion (E) 

• Skilled in developing and managing strategic partnerships with funders, policy-makers, and community groups (E) 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills – able to assess complex challenges, identify risks, and implement effective solutions (E) 

Personal qualities & values 

• A mission-driven leader with a passion for refugee rights, community empowerment, and social justice (E) 

• Politically astute and able to navigate relationships with stakeholders from civil society, government, and grassroots communities (E) 

• Collaborative and people-centred, able to work constructively across teams and with volunteers, refugees, and community leaders (E) 

• Committed to embedding refugee leadership and lived experience into programme design and delivery (E) 

• Resilient, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and evolving policy environment (E) 

• Comfortable working within an accountable team culture – open to feedback, reflective practice, and continuous improvement (E) 

• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends, and to travel when necessary to support programme delivery (E) 

Note: 

At Citizens UK, we work with communities to develop leaders, strengthen organisations, campaign for change and organise across difference. This work is rewarding and can be challenging; it requires a personal commitment to inclusion, a willingness to listen and disagree respectfully, and an interest in working in an organisation where our staff, member institutions and leaders will come from a diversity of backgrounds and often hold views that may be very different from our own. More information about how we operate within this context and build trusted relationships across difference can be found on our website and is covered in induction. Onboarding and navigating this relational culture, and type of work, is supported by line managers and further training. 

Responsible to: Youth Services Manager

Hours: Full time 37 hours (Job share considered)

Salary: £27,500

Based: Hybrid (Bedford + one day per week in Q:alliance Head Office, Milton Keynes)

Contract: Fixed term for 2 years, with possibility of extension (subject to funding)

Closing Date: 18th February 2026 at 23:59

Interview Date: Tuesday 3rd March

Context

Q:alliance provides support, information, and representation for LGBTQ+ young people in Bedford, drawing on our wider experience delivering established services across Milton Keynes for the last 50 years.

We have detailed knowledge of the issues and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations locally, and it is our goal to create more safe spaces and resources to ensure the LGBTQ+ community in Bedford is visible, well represented, and supported.

Scope

This is a newly created role within our Bedford services, delivering Q:alliance’s established youth support model developed in Milton Keynes and shaping pathways and support that respond to local need in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.

You will manage a one-to-one caseload of support for LGBTQ+ young people, while building relationships with schools and developing a collaborative schools’ network informed by young people’s insights. You will also develop and deliver LGBTQ+ inclusion training for teachers, education staff, and youth workers. This work will contribute to safe, affirming environments that strengthen resilience, wellbeing, and mental health.

You will work closely with the Youth Services Manager and youth teams across our service areas, building on existing Q:alliance provision in Bedford, where a dedicated youth team already leads on LGBTQ+ youth group delivery.

The role includes outreach across Bedfordshire’s urban and rural communities, supporting young people who may experience increased isolation due to limited access to LGBTQ+-affirming spaces.

You will work collaboratively with the Youth Services Manager to agree outreach and engagement targets, contributing to effective monitoring and reporting systems to ensure robust evidence of impact.

What you’ll bring to the team

This role is a key opportunity for Q:alliance to grow our work in Bedford, build local relationships, and better understand and respond to the needs of LGBTQ+ young people across the area. You will play a central role in shaping a new service, reaching young people who may not yet be connected to support, and helping both staff and the board of trustees develop a strong, place-based understanding of LGBTQ+ youth experiences in Bedford.

You will act as a first point of contact for schools, colleges, and youth settings in Bedford, building trusted relationships and establishing a collaborative network of school and college leads. You will share insights gathered through this work with the wider Q:alliance team, helping to strengthen our responses to local need and inform the development and sustainability of services, including future funding.

You will help ensure continuity of support between schools, our support spaces and Q:alliance’s wider youth service provision.

Main Responsibilities

· Networking – Support teachers, education staff and youth workers to access resources, implement inclusive learning environments and provide support for LGBTQ+ young people in their settings. Develop a network of school representatives to provide peer-support on shifting needs, priorities, and situations in a local and national context.

· Data capture and intelligence - Support Q;alliance’s commitment to sustaining a contemporary data and monitoring mechanism, guaranteeing we can deliver thorough evaluations of our services and competent feedback to our funders and stakeholders on the efficacy of our work. Analyse local intelligence directly from LGBTQ+ youth communities and use this to co-produce plans with young people to ensure our youth services are engaging and meeting needs.

· Support, information and empowerment – develop and implement resources for 1:1 education and resilience work with LGBTQ+ young people, provide support and advocacy for young people, ensuring effective signposting to relevant services and collaboration with parents, guardians, teachers and education staff where appropriate.

· Innovation – work with the Youth Services Manager, school representatives and young people to innovate a schools accreditation system that will acknowledge and cultivate schools’ competence to provide safe spaces and support for LGBTQ+ young people.

· Stakeholder and community engagement – Forge and support enduring relationships with key partners, strengthening our commitment to building an alliance of cross-sector compassionate advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in its diverse forms.

· Education – Plan, develop and deliver positive and engaging classroom workshops and school assemblies to a wide range of young people, ensuring key messages are inclusive of diverse perspectives, including those from black and minoritized communities.

· Training - Develop and deliver training for teachers, education staff and youth workers with the aim of improving the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth communities and the capacity of those with the power to assist in this endeavour.

Skills and Experience

Expertise

· Experience working with and supporting young people

· Experience of developing and sustaining a network

· Ability to deliver innovative education and training packages, delivery, and evaluation

· Knowledge of the challenges affecting young LGBTQ+ people

· Knowledge of issues affecting young people’s mental health and the skills required to build resilience

· Excellent planning, organisation and administrative skills

· Expertise in safeguarding young people, ensuring welfare of all by following policy and procedures in relation to recognising, recording, and responding to safeguarding concerns and liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead

· Ability to observe strict confidentiality at all times with respect to matters concerning young people and the schools, colleges and youth settings in which you support through your role in the developing network

· Capable to respond to a young person in crisis, signposting to appropriate resources and support.

Communication

· A high standard of written English, including an ability to write thorough reports, make referrals to partner agencies, maintain outreach files, and record minutes of forum meetings

· An engaging and charismatic public speaking style with the ability to adapt delivery style dependent on context and audience

· Ability to adopt a positive constructive language style when talking to young people 1:1

· Confidence to communicate with relatives, guardians, social workers and related professionals or advocates of young people

· Knowledge of social media and a recognition of the role it plays in young people’s lives

Behaviours

· Skills in forming constructive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels

· Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of professional boundaries when working with young people and the importance of consistency

· Passionate about equality, the rights of LGBTQ+ people and neurodiversity.

· Evident desire to improve service delivery using co-production initiatives with young people

· An ability to listen with empathy and act compassionately

· Competence to work on own initiative and demonstrate innovation and creative problem solving

· Model conduct essential for successful teams, such as reliability, honesty and courage

Desirable

· Qualifications in youth work, teaching or mental health support

· LGBTQ+ lived experience

Other

· Full driving license and use of own vehicle

· Ability to work flexibly, with occasional evening and weekend working

· Commitment to further personal development and training

· Please note: Enhanced DBS is required for this role

The LGBTQ+ Youth Outreach Practitioner will have responsibility for the following documents.

· Contact Evaluation forms/data capture

· Monthly Outreach Report

· Resource library pertaining to our work with young people

· Network minutes (schools forum)

Apply via our website and complete an application form

Overview

Involve Community Services is a local infrastructure charity that supports the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sectors of Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough. We offer development and governance support, funding advice, grant writing, volunteer and trustee recruitment, and a comprehensive training programme. We also run several well-being projects that include Community Navigation, Cancer Support and Social Prescribing within Wokingham Borough.

Role summary

The Community Development Worker will work across Wokingham Borough to assist small charities, community groups and social enterprises who have a health and well-being focus, as well as those organisations who aid residents with protected characteristics. They will assist organisations to find solutions to existing challenges and overcome barriers to optimise their delivery, e.g., through sourcing volunteers, committee members, funding opportunities, forming simple governance structures, and seeking premises.

The post holder will advocate for members of the community with protected characteristics as well as those whose voices are seldom heard, and act as a voice for marginalised groups, to aid inclusive decision making and delivery of services across the borough. The postholder will develop a broad, informed view of the local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector and will communicate this to colleagues within Involve, the wider Friendship Alliance (a collective of charities who have a shared interest in addressing loneliness and social isolation), and to statutory partners. The postholder will also identify gaps in provision and help to develop or enhance existing partnerships so to optimise their impact to residents. 

Key Responsibilities

• Regularly attend community events throughout Wokingham Borough
• Create quarterly reports to articulate the work of the postholder.
• Act as the face of Involve and the first point of contact for organisations and community groups in Wokingham Borough
• Signpost organisations to Involve’s Core Services
• Signpost residents to Involve’s Wellbeing Services
• Support Community Navigation attending outreach events
• Report key barriers and gaps in services to the CEO and Admin & Partnerships Manager on a regular basis
• Keep the Wellbeing Services up to date with new or changing community groups & services
• Support the Hub Coordinator and fellow site users when onsite

Key responsibilities for the community and VCS organisation

• Network and maintain relationships with residents, communities, charitable organisations and other stakeholders
• Host Involve’s Charity & Community Networking Events for Wokingham Borough
• Match organisations and community groups with share objectives so to bring greater capacity and insight to a community undertaking
• Attend forums & meetings relevant to communities, addressing issues such as equality & diversity, social isolation or community safety
• Support organisations and community groups with basic governance enquiries
• Ensure organisations receive up to date and accessible information & signposting to assist them with their operations, e.g. governance, funding, volunteer recruitment

Essential experience, skills and attributes

• Knowledge of the local area and services
• Experience in engaging and advocating for vulnerable people and those with protected characteristics, and those seldom heard
• Good interpersonal skills - friendly, curious, respectful, empathetic and courteous
• Reliable with a mature disposition and a caring nature
• Capable of maintaining appropriate written records
• Awareness of confidentiality and data protection
• Ability to work proactively on your own initiative as well as part of a team
• Awareness of health and safety and lone working issues for self and others
• A commitment to equal opportunities
• Effective problem solving and negotiation skills
• Good written and verbal literacy with ability to engage confidently, employing actively listen skills
• Sound IT skills, particularly office 365 applications
• Personal commitment to improving own knowledge and skills
• Requirement to undertake training, including safeguarding and any other appropriate learning
• Requirement to work to all Involve policies
• Access to a car (with business insurance) is essential as travel will be required across Wokingham Borough

NB: Some flexibility will be required when delivering your role and occasional evening or weekend work may be needed.

JOB PURPOSE

This role sits within The Passage Housing Needs Service (HNS) team. It will provide brief interventions to support individuals who have been placed into accommodation by the HNS team to settle into and sustain their tenancies. The post holder will work holistically to assist individuals to address issues that are impacting on their ability to sustain their accommodation on a time limited basis and will link them into services in their local areas for ongoing support in order for them to gain independence and integrate into their new communities.

MAIN TASKS

• To provide support to individuals who are moving into their new private rented sector accommodation where appropriate and needed. This can include setting up utilities, council tax among other things.
• To support individuals accommodated by the HNS team, in a brief solution focused manner, to find solutions to their housing, benefits, health and other issues when they arise, referring clients to support services, liaising with these, and following up in a timely manner.
• To establish and develop positive and constructive working relationships with a range of services and agencies across London boroughs that can provide support to our clients ensuring the best possible outcomes for them.
• To draw up psychologically informed action plans for clients ensuring they are person centered and taking into consideration the clients’ views.
• Support HNS Workers to complete exit questionnaires to gather feedback and promote co production with the individuals the team supports.
• To ensure that any health and safety and safeguarding concerns are reported appropriately using the correct systems.
• To assess any risk to clients, the environment and staff, record and communicate any risks identified using appropriate channels in the Passage.
• To ensure accurate and timely record keeping using the Inform database as well as client files and ensure all record keeping and information sharing is kept securely in line with Data protection.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• In conjunction with your Line Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage.
• To participate in internal/external meetings as required, including Reflective Practice, and attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary.
• Support The Passage Resource Centre operations by undertaking shifts as required.
• To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal, and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs.
• To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to.
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults.
• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage1. 
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role.

EXPERIENCE 

E1 Experience of providing tenancy support to vulnerable individuals.

E2 Experience of working with and advocating for vulnerable people who present with complex support needs in a person centered and psychologically informed manner.

E3 Experience of working collaboratively with voluntary and statutory agencies to deliver a service.

E4 Experience of establishing relationships and working with a wide range of stakeholders and liaising with support agencies.

E5 Experience of obtaining grants, local support payments and benefit payments

E6 Experience of record keeping using databases 

E7 Experience of managing conflicting priorities 

KNOWLEDGE

K1  Knowledge of how to work with clients within a psychologically informed framework

K2 Knowledge of the issues which contribute to homelessness and challenges with maintaining a tenancy

K3 Knowledge of risk and incident management in a psychologically informed manner

K4 Knowledge of welfare rights and how they impact on our client group

K5 Knowledge of resources, and other services supporting vulnerable people, and how to access them to obtain a positive outcome for our clients 

We’re hiring a Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships.

Hackney CVS is in an exciting new phase and we’re looking for a senior leader to help shape it.

Following a major restructuring and redesign of our support offer, we’re focusing more sharply on our core mission: strengthening, connecting and championing the voluntary and community sector (VCS) across Hackney and the City of London.

Our Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships will:

• Lead our networks, forums and engagement work.
• Amplify community voice in local decision-making.
• Build powerful cross-sector partnerships.
• Support the voluntary sector to influence systems change.

You’ll join our Senior Leadership Team at a pivotal moment, helping us embed new ways of working and secure a brighter future for the VCS.

If you care deeply about equity, collaboration and the potential of the VCS to transform lives, and if you thrive in complexity, influence and relationship building, we would love to hear from you.

For the full job description and person specification, please see the attached recruitment pack.

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