Social care jobs

About Carers Bucks

At Carers Bucks we are committed to making a lasting and positive difference in the lives of unpaid carers across Buckinghamshire - from children as young as five to adults supporting loved ones through physical or mental illness, frailty, disability or addiction. We understand that caring can impact a person’s health, wellbeing and future opportunities and we are here to change that. 

Our vision is that every unpaid carer in Buckinghamshire feels recognised, respected and supported in their role – so they can access the right support, at the right time, in a way that works for them – regardless of age, circumstance and cultural or socio-economic background.

Our team is at the heart of everything we do. We foster a positive, supportive working culture where wellbeing matters, and professional development is encouraged and celebrated. 

Our values reflect our core principles and culture. They guide how we engage with service users and how we work as a team. We are

Kind                 
We understand the challenges carers face. With real compassion and empathy we are able to build confidence and resilience in both carers and colleagues. 

Inclusive         
We adapt our services to meet the diverse needs of all carers, making sure they feel seen, supported and empowered in their role. 

Collaborative   
We work together – with carers, partners and one another – to listen, learn and improve outcomes. 

Innovative       
We are curious to find better ways to support carers. We are open to new ideas and committed to improving what we do. 

Reliable           
We are informed, trustworthy and confidential. We do what we say we will - every time.

As a trusted local charity with over 20 years’ experience, we are continually evolving to meet carer’s needs and improve access to support. This new role is part of that process. 

About the Role

In this newly created role, you will work directly with the CEO, providing oversight and direction to Team Leaders to ensure that services operate effectively and meet contractual requirements. You will be passionate about making a difference to the lives of unpaid carers in Buckinghamshire, with the ability to make an impact quickly.  You’ll bring proven hands-on experience in a similar role working with a team to establish effective and innovative ways to deliver services. 
 

Main Responsibilities 

1. Strategic and Operational Leadership

·       Hold overall accountability for service performance and quality, working through the Adult, Young and Hospital Carers Team Leaders who lead day-to-day operations 

·       Ensure alignment with our strategic priorities and our commissioned outcomes.

·       Contribute as an active member of the Senior Management Team, supporting organisational strategy, planning and delivery.

·       Ensure that all carer services operate cohesively, with smooth transitions between age groups and consistent quality standards.

·       Use data and feedback to drive service improvement and innovation.

2. Service Delivery and Quality

·       Oversee the effective management of the Adult, Young, Young Adult and Hospital teams.

·       Embed a culture of high performance, reflective practice and continuous learning.

·       Ensure strong safeguarding practices are central in all services

·       Ensure systems are used consistently for case management, data recording and reporting.

·       Work with the Diverse Communities Worker and other leads to ensure services are inclusive, culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of underrepresented groups 

·       Oversee the effective involvement of volunteers within carer services, working with the Volunteer Manager to ensure they are well-supported, trained and valued as integral members of the team.

3. People Leadership and Team Development

·       Foster collaboration and a supportive team culture built on the Carers Bucks values.

·       Line-manage and support the three Team Leads, ensuring clarity of priorities, effective supervision and professional growth.

·       Support wellbeing, resilience and a sense of shared purpose across teams.

4. Safeguarding

·       Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Carers Bucks, providing advice and guidance to staff on safeguarding issues, ensuring compliance with policy and statutory requirements, and escalating concerns appropriately.

·       Maintain oversight of all safeguarding cases across the organisation and support Team Leaders in their DDSL responsibilities.

5. Partnership and Representation

·       Provide strategic coordination across thematic leads (Diverse Communities, Hospitals, Volunteers) to ensure alignment and shared priorities across services 

·       Represent Carers Bucks strategically with partners across social care, education and health. 

·       Support the CEO in relationships with commissioners, primary and secondary care, schools and VCSE partners to enhance identification and referral of carers.

·       Champion the voice of carers of all ages through partnership boards, networks and other forums.

6. Performance, Impact and Reporting

·       Monitor performance against contract outcomes, KPIs and quality standards.

·       Work with our Data Lead to ensure accurate reporting and a strong evidence base for our work. 

·       Analyse trends and learning to inform service design and improvement.

·       Contribute to quarterly and annual reports for commissioners and trustees.

·       Provide effective feedback upwards to the CEO.

7. Organisational Contribution

·       Contribute to strategic planning, risk management and organisational development.

·       Represent Carers Bucks at events, conference and key campaigns 

·       Lead on the co-design of new approaches, including digital and preventative models.

·       Stay abreast of local and national developments in carers’ policy and practice.

·       Undertake other duties as reasonably required by the Chief Executive.

Personal Attributes, Skills and Experience
 

Essential Experience or Qualifications

• Proven experience of operating at a similar level, leading a services team in the charity sector.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams to achieve shared goals.
• Proven ability to quickly make an impact.
• Experience of delivering training or presentations to external audiences.
• Experience of report writing and using data to inform decisions.
• Proven experience of a commitment to Diversity and Inclusion.
• Experience of safeguarding principles for both adults and children and experience in applying them.
• A full UK driving licence and or access to own transport.

Desired Experience or Qualifications (not compulsory)

• Previous experience of working with carers, health and social care professionals.

Essential Skills / Knowledge 

• Strategic thinker, able to translate organisational priorities into clear operational plans.
• Confident decision-maker who can balance compassion with accountability.
• Skilled at managing change and fostering a culture of learning and improvement.
• Strong time and project management skills, able to balance competing demands.
• Excellent written, verbal and listening skills, with the ability to adapt communication to different audiences.
• Good general level of IT skills.
• Confident and persuasive when engaging with professionals across health, education, and social care.
• The ability to represent Carers Bucks positively and credibly at a senior and strategic level.
• Skilled in building and maintaining productive partnerships and networks.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion, and how to embed this in service design and delivery.
• Confident using data and outcomes measures to monitor impact and inform service development.
• Confident with figures. 

Desirable skill / knowledge

• Well-informed about carers’ rights, challenges and available resources.
• Awareness of developments in health, education and social care policy, and their implications for carers.

Personal Attributes

• Empathic, approachable and emotionally intelligent.
• Self-starter who is organised, proactive and solution focused.
• Calm under pressure, able to prioritise and make sound judgements.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a positive “can-do” attitude.
• Committed to the values and ethos of Carers Bucks and to supporting carers’ wellbeing.
• A willingness to actively participate in training and development opportunities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, occasional evening/weekend work as required. 

Why join us?
We have recently published our one-year strategy, guiding us through the next phase of our development. 

By joining our team, you will:

• Play a key role in shaping our future: You will support the CEO and guide the team as we enter our retender.
• Make a lasting impact: Your work will directly support unpaid Carers of all ages, enabling them to access the right support, at the right time, in a way that works for them.
• Be part of a supportive, passionate team. You will work with dedicated colleagues who are committed to making a difference and supporting one another.

If you are seeking a role where your contributions are recognised, your work drives real impact and you can help shape something meaningful, we would love to connect with you.

Employee Benefits Include:

·       25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays (increases with length of service)

·       3x Christmas Closure Days

·       Up to 5 days paid Carers Leave

·       Regular training and development opportunities

Diversity and Inclusion

We want our services to be representative of the community we serve. We are proud of the diversity within Buckinghamshire and particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

How to apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter via our online portal.  Successful candidates will be invited to a first interview by 24th November 2025.
 

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. If you require any adjustments to the interview process or would like to discuss your access needs in advance, please let us know by emailing us (email address can be found on application portal) - we will do our best to accommodate you. 

Corporate Partnership Manager
Alton, Hampshire
(flexible/remote but with regular visits to the charity’s head office)
37.5 hours per week
Permanent
C£40,000-45,000 depending on experience

Over the last five years we have increased the number of individuals and organisation supporting the charity from 800 to more than 3,500 a year. The charity is set to build on this success and aims to continue this growth, so that we can reach more patients and provide additional support at a time when it is more critical than ever for kidney patients.

The Corporate Partnership Manager will play a key role in this growth. Our Corporate Partnership income has grown from zero in 2020 to c£2.3 million in 2025. It is a very exciting time to be joining the charity and our Fundraising team.

Primarily, you will be responsible for building engagement and driving new income via charity of the year partnerships, corporate partnerships, and employee fundraising. You will manage the Corporate Partnership Officer who is developing a growing portfolio of supporters across different sectors. You will also work closely with the Events Manager, Trust & Foundation Manager, Head of Fundraising and Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications as well as the wider Fundraising team to promote and support all opportunities to drive corporate income growth.

Alongside the Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications who takes a special interest in the charity’s Corporate Partnerships, you will be tasked with planning, implementing, and delivering the activities, programmes and processes required to grow corporate income from c£2.3m in 2025 to even greater levels over the coming years.

You will do this by stewarding the significant number of existing relationships and partnerships we already hold and maximising any opportunities that exist via our current partnerships and relationships. A key part of this role will require you to develop new opportunities and secure significant income (5-and-6 figure partnerships) through proactive engagement to and through our supporters, beneficiaries, networks, and contacts.

The right candidate will have a proven record of generating strategic partnerships that result in 5-and 6-figure corporate income, building strong and rewarding relationships, with stewardships skills that generate long term support for the charity. You will be a driven and enthusiastic fundraiser with experience of cultivating new relationships across a range of businesses and sectors.

The role will adapt and develop with the individual and offers huge potential for personal and career development.

What we offer

Working at Kidney Care UK is incredibly rewarding and you will see the life-changing impact that the charity has on kidney patients and their familie:

• Flexi-time – we are flexible about start and finish times, and flexible about your location.
• Annual and Christmas leave – we offer 25 days annual leave for full time employees plus bank holidays. We also close for three days between Christmas and New Year, and you don’t need to take this from your annual leave allowance.
• Pension – you’ll be eligible for and auto-enrolled into a pension scheme.
• Health cashback plan – ability to claim back a wide variety of routine medical treatments.
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to a wide variety of support including counselling, health resources and advice.
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Learning and development – you’ll be able to access the full benefits of our membership of Fundraising Everywhere and Charity Comms.

Women & Families VAWG Specialist Service 

The Claudia Jones Organisation (CJ0) is seeking a Service Manager for our Women and Families, VAWG Specialist Service to ensure the best outcomes for the women and families we support. 

CJO’s Women and Families VAWG Service aims to provide a cohesive family and specialist support for vulnerable women and families of Caribbean/African heritage experiencing violence and present with complex layering of issues. We assist women and families through 1-1 advocacy, counselling, and therapeutic group support to increase wellbeing, reduce risk and increase safety.  The service provides social and learning opportunities for women and families alongside meeting their immediate needs.

Job:Women & Families VAWG Specialist Service Manager

Location:London     Salary:£40,000 per year, pro rata    Part Time/3 days weekly   Contract:  5 years

The Role

To manage and develop the delivery of the CJO VAWG service for African heritage women and families escaping violence and its impact through advocacy and therapeutic services.  You will be responsible for managing your team of domestic violence workers whilst working synergistically with our clinical lead and social work support to achieve the best outcomes for the women and families who access our service.

As a member of the senior management team, you will have a strategic focus and lead on safeguarding to protect women and their children. You will have both an internal and external focus of influence with local and national stakeholders including statutory services and funders to ensure a co-ordinated community response and service for African heritage women and families.

About You

As a strong communicator, you will bring your understanding and know how to support and navigate the criminal justice systems in relation to VAWG.  Able to work independently and prioritise a busy workload.  An effective communicator who is innovative with experience of managing, growing, and developing your team.  Excellent team player willing to get involved and support service users and staff, no matter the task or activity.

Key Objectives Within the Overall Purpose of the Post:   

The management of CJOs VAWG women and family’s specialist service ensuring it meets the needs of African Heritage women and families, is contract compliant with the service specification and the charity’s policies and procedures.

1. To lead and effectively manage the finance in line with the grant and annual budget.
2. Lead on and participate in national, local discussions, consultation, research, monitoring and evaluation, needs assessment, collaboration, networks, to sustain and grow the women and family specialist service and any other activity relevant to deliver the service.
3. Represent the service and organisation at both internal and external meetings and within multi-agency partnerships.
4. Lead on and facilitate monitoring and evaluation activities, which supports the voices of service user and their data, to inform legislation, policy, and practice, identifying synergies across the organisation’s work as well as opportunities to produce and share learning.
5. Facilitate a range of training for; professionals, service users, staff, volunteers, external audience to improve practice and service delivery.
6. Communications - directly produce, facilitate publicity and marketing material for the service, appropriately using social media e-leaflets, paper booklets etc to increase knowledge, awareness, skills, and the impact of VAWG on the lives of women and families.
7. Ensure written language is to good quality standard including emails and all other record keeping and documentation required of CJOs work.
8. Ensure that the service is delivered within safeguarding practice and safe standards as per our quality mark.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Contribute towards and/or write comprehensive reports that may include data, narratives, and case studies as required by funders, commissioners, CJO and others.
• Oversee the management of the Oasis database undertaking quarterly audits and monthly monitoring of data collection for performance management of the service.
• Dip sample and audit case files as held on Oasis, ensuring staff are recording information and delivering services in line with Imkaan and other quality standards.
• Oversee the consistent use of the ‘Safe Lives’ risk assessment tool, alongside other developed risk mitigation templates.
• Ensure staff appropriately represent women and advocate on their behalf when dealing with outside agencies such as the Housing department, Police, DSS, Solicitors, Social Services, Health Professionals, and all other relevant agencies.
• Document monitoring ensure that it is provided in the agreed and acceptable formats for  the VAWG women and Families Specialist Service  using standard templates.

Management of Service Finance

• Work closely with the finance team to oversee the income and expenditure of the service in line with all policies and procedures of the organisation, contract, policies and procedures relevant to CJOs funded work.  
• Ensure that small grants woman receive are appropriate working closely with finance, social work students and support worker(s) or volunteer.
• Take full ownership of strategic fundraising for the service, identifying funding sources and making direct applications, alongside the Director and fundraising team.  

Wellbeing

• Ensure the service is delivered within CJOs Community based approach to Wellbeing and that a therapeutic approach is embedded in your practice.
• Attend regular clinical supervision
• Ensure that your staff team attend regular clinical supervision.
• Lead and manage the Thinking Space facilitator and bi-weekly debriefs alongside working synergistically with CJOs Clinical Lead.

Operational

• Along with your team, to always work in the best interest of CJO and to avoid any action that may bring CJO and or its activities into disrepute.
• To undertake any other duty commensurate with the position of Service Lead and as required by your line manager.
• To engage in one’s own performance management through training and development as required.
• As a member of the senior management team work to promote CJO’s purpose, values, and our influence through evidence-based solutions to improving the lives of vulnerable women and their family experiencing VAWG/trauma and to act-up/step in the absence of members of the senior management team or staff.
• Regularly supervise, appraise, and support the development of staff and volunteers addressing challenges and implement necessary support measures to improve performance with staff, external contractors, and agencies.
• Participate in regular supervision, induction, training, and team meetings.

• Develop appropriate partnerships, collaborations, and communications to enable our family support and gender-based violence services to be seen as a leader in its field.
• To be the lead registered officer for CJSM and Safeguarding Lead 
• On occasions to work on a Saturday where time in lieu will be given.

We're looking for an enthusiastic Research and Engagement Officer to plan and deliver engagement and research for our core and project work. This role involves listening and reaching out into communities to understand the experiences and concerns of local people using health and social care services and presenting this feedback to those planning and running services.

An ideal candidate is someone who walks into a room full of strangers and comes out with contacts, stories and having built a trusting connection. This role will include going out to geographical and communities of interest with an aim of making sure that we hear from all of the diverse communities of Wakefield District.

We recognise that research can be a term that puts people off, but we want to make research accessible and manageable for everyone. So, put simply, our research projects are always focussed on hearing from a specific community and we use different methods to reach them effectively and to capture their comments in ways that resonate and have impact. 

Purpose

To plan and deliver engagement and research for Healthwatch Wakefield’s core and project work. To understand the experiences and concerns of people using health and social care services in Wakefield District and represent this feedback to service providers and commissioners. The role involves some analysis of data and intelligence to influence change and improve services.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

This is a dynamic role with lots of opportunity to make it your own. We have a small team of Research and Engagement Officers, and each works slightly differently to achieve the shared goal of reaching out and exploring ways to capture and interpret the experiences of people who use local services. The main functions are:

• Engagement
• Research and Project Management
• Data and Intelligence Analysis

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience of engagement, particularly with seldom heard groups and communities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Capable of working independently and managing a varied workload.
• Experience of using various engagement methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community meetings.
• Experience working with, networking, and developing partnerships with a range of people, including project stakeholders, diverse community groups, and other organisations.
• Experience using various research and engagement methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community meetings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Word.
• Commitment to the principles and values of Healthwatch.
• Demonstrates empathy, integrity, and a drive to influence positive change in health and social care.
• Willingness to travel within the Wakefield area.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Experience producing impact-focused reports and summary documents.
• Familiarity with local services and community needs.
• Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector, especially in Wakefield District.
• Good understanding of health and social care sectors, especially within the Wakefield area.

Playskill is a Hertfordshire based charity supporting pre-school children with physical disabilities & delays and their families. Across two sites in Watford and Hemel Hempstead, our work helps to build family resilience in the pivotal early years of a child’s life. Our specialist early intervention work delivering multi-disciplinary therapeutic play sessions, parent training/modelling, family social respite events and family support provides holistic family centred work aiming to build foundational skills for life

The Family Support Lead will coordinate our Family Support service across all locations providing holistic support to families of children with a physical disability/delay living in Hertfordshire, always keeping close adherence to best Safeguarding practice and procedures.

The role involves working with the Head of Family Service and Operations and Head of Development to develop the Support Worker team to deliver high quality family support. This may mean supporting families in group settings, family centres or in the home and holding caseloads with a holistic view in how to best meet need. Working closely with local stakeholders (including but not limited to schools, family hubs, social care, health and other voluntary sector organisations), the wider Playskill team and families, this role will deliver family-centred practice, ensuring positive outcomes for families.

We are looking for someone who has an understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and the challenges to navigate education, welfare and health systems. They will need to understand the needs of families and be able to work collaboratively.

The role will be responsible for the integration of our Support Worker team and family support services, ensuring best practice and identifying training needs as they arise.

You must be well organised and able to demonstrate the ability to develop strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. As a self-starter, you will be able to use your own initiative, can problem solve and prioritise, with good planning and organisational skills. You will be expected to manage your weekly diary ensuring you are offering timely, quality support across our sites and within the community. You will be expected to have a positive, resilient attitude, be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines and be flexible and adaptable.

All employees will be expected to make a commitment to Playskill’s core values of Respect, Compassion, Collaboration, Whole Family and Support.

What we can offer you

• Wellbeing support

• Supportive colleagues

• Pension

Diversity statement: 

Playskill is an equal opportunities employer and has a high number of team with caring responsibilities and is keen to encourage applicants from a diverse number of backgrounds.

Safeguarding statement:

Playskill is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Playskill has a full safeguarding policy and expects all staff to undergo safeguarding training.   

Closing Date:  5pm, Wednesday 17th December 2025

Interview date: Tuesday 6th January 2026

Interview location: Hemel Hempstead

Reg Charity no 1198233 (formerly 1122745). Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.in

Location: York
Salary: £29,179 (pro-rata)
Hours: 22.5
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Our Social Prescribing Team is recruiting!

Are you interested in joining our passionate, friendly, innovative and dynamic team of Social Prescribers here at York CVS!

We have an exciting new position within one of our Primary Care Networks working as a social prescriber.

For this role you would be working with MyHealth and Elvington surgeries.

We are looking to recruit a Social Prescriber who will proactively provide one-to-one support for individuals, helping them to identify what matters to them and offering information and support to help them address non-clinical needs and improve their longer-term health and wellbeing.

Applicants must hold a full driving licence and access to a car for work-related travel.

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check.

Please note: There is no set closing date for this vacancy. We will review applications as they are received and will contact suitable candidates for an informal discussion, which could progress to an invite for a formal interview.

Once we have successfully filled the position, the vacancy will close. However, we encourage you to check back for future opportunities with us.

York CVS is committed to safeguarding and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

REF-225 301

Join Our Team as a Fostering Practice Manager – Wales Fostering Service

We're offering an exciting opportunity to become a Fostering Practice Manager within our dedicated Wales Fostering Team. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, you will lead a team of skilled and passionate Supervising Social Workers, ensuring they deliver exceptional supervision, support, and training to foster parents and their families. Your leadership will help foster parents provide trauma-informed care that transforms the lives of children and young people.

In this pivotal role, you will:

• Lead and inspire your team to meet evolving service demands through high-quality supervision and adherence to fostering regulations in Wales.
• Support recruitment and retention of foster carers, contributing to strategic development and service improvement.
• Collaborate with external partners, including local authorities, health and education professionals, and child welfare organisations, to ensure holistic care for children and families.

We're looking for a driven individual with substantial supervisory experience in social care, ready to take the next step in their career. Whether you're an experienced Team Manager, Deputy Manager, or a seasoned leader seeking a fresh challenge, this role offers a platform to share your expertise and make a lasting impact.

You'll be part of a supportive and knowledgeable team, with access to coaching, mentoring, and leadership development from the Operations Manager, Assistant Head of Business, and wider service colleagues.

What We're Looking For:

• A relevant professional qualification and current registration.
• Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience, with strong knowledge of fostering regulations in Wales.
• Experience in recruitment strategy development or collaboration with Recruitment/Marketing Officers.
• Confidence using social media platforms to promote fostering and enhance visibility across Wales.
• Proven ability to lead organisational change, manage performance, and drive service excellence.
• Strong communication skills, especially in complex or challenging situations.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

The Research Manager at Healthwatch Hounslow will be an experienced manager of community-focused projects or programmes.

You will be comfortable with all aspects of research – from scoping, to desk research, to fieldwork, to analysis and writing reports. You will be a clear and confident communicator, whether producing concise, engaging content such as reports, or resenting/speaking in meetings or at events.

We are looking for someone who understands and has experience of creatively engaging diverse groups and communities – particularly seldom heard and underserved groups. Ideally you will be familiar with and an advocate for the principles and practices of co-production and public involvement.

The Research Manager will enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people – from hearing residents’ views and experiences of services, to influencing senior commissioners or providers of health services to make changes and improvements.

You will have a keen interest in Health and Social Care; and a passion to ensure that local people in the community are heard, and health inequalities are addressed.  

We're looking for a driven, proactive and resilient Talent Partner to join our People Team at our Head Office in Islington.

£29,784.51 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're in control of your carer? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
• Online wellbeing resources
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

As a Talent Partner you will provide proactive customer-focused administrative support across Recruitment, HR, and Learning & Development. You will drive process improvements and ensure efficient service delivery.

The starting salary for this role is £29,784.51, increasing to £30,784.51 after successfully passing probation.

The shift pattern for this role is Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm, including hybrid working with a minimum of two days in the office.

This is a fixed term contract until 1st April 2026.

For a full job description, please visit our website.

About you:

• Organised, responsive, and customer focused
• Strong communicator with a collaborative mindset
• Detail-oriented, adaptable, and resilient under pressure
• Team Player who shares workload and learning with the team and builds a positive team culture
• Decisive and able to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
• Keen interest in HR and L&D career development

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• Experience in recruitment or Learning and Development environments
• Strong administrative and IT skills and experience
• Confident in delivering training and attending recruitment events
• Excellent communication and customer service

Desirable:

• Familiarity with iTrent and Learning Pool

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Do you want to make a real difference in children and young people's lives? If so, then we would like you to join our dedicated team of social workers and help empower children to thrive. We believe in quality over quantity, ensuring manageable caseloads so you can truly focus on the people you support. Regular supervision, peer support, and emotional wellbeing resources are all part of how we care for our team. We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our small friendly team, who are well linked in with the wider Barnardo's organisation across the UK.

Fostering Service, covering Wales. We offer flexible working options, and a strong support network, and ongoing professional development to ensure you feel valued and supported in your career. 

The suitably applicant will be enthusiastic, creative and passionate about supporting children and young people who are cared for by their foster families. You will be able to work therapeutically with people who have experienced trauma and loss in their lives. You will work in a way that acknowledges and validates their experiences and work with hope that their future may be different. You will also have opportunities to design and deliver training to a team of committed foster parents and peers. You will have strong assessment skills in order to complete Form F's and annual reviews.

Ready to take the next step in your social work career? If the answer yes, then we very much look forward to you joining the team.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Emmaus Greenwich is a unique charity that offers a home, work and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. We don’t just give people a bed for the night; we offer a home, work opportunities and a sense of belonging.

At the heart of Emmaus Greenwich is our companions. Companion is the name given to those who live in an Emmaus community and contributes to the social enterprise, where they support themselves and one another. Living in a stable environment with the opportunity of work and individually tailored support helps our companions to regain lost self-esteem and the confidence needed to get back on their feet.

Some of the things that we are looking for in our Community Manager:

• The ability to focus on impact and deliver results.
• Experience of planning, developing, and managing support services for clients with support needs.
• Knowledge and understanding of Strength-based practice and Trauma informed care.
• Knowledge and understanding of In-form client management system.
• Experience of managing the performance, learning and development of staff.
• Knowledge and understanding of homelessness issues.
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive working, ensuring equality and valuing diversity.
• A belief in the potential of each individual and an understanding of the importance of the Community in helping an individual achieve their potential

Some of the things you would be responsible for as a Community Manager:

• Responsible for the admission welcome including assess new referrals, interviewing potential Companions, welfare and care of Companions, their integration into the Emmaus Community and the wider community at large, developing a sense of extended family. 
• Organising and delivering Companion workshops and training sessions to promote ongoing engagement with the Emmaus ethos, while identifying and supporting individual learning and development needs.
• Lead and implement a culture which provides confidentiality, promotes professional boundaries, protects data, and safeguards Companions, Volunteers and staff.
• To manage support relating to Companion’s needs regarding their daily living requirements, physical and mental health, safety and personal development.
• To assist and encourage Companions to move into independent accommodation where appropriate
• Ensure that effective Safeguarding systems are in place and maintained, acting as the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Person, with delegated responsibility for policy development, implementation, and reporting.
• Working in partnership with the Business Manager, facilitate, encourage, and support companion engagement and training within the social enterprises to ensure they are viable businesses.
• Assist the Multi Site Property and Facilities Manager in the upkeep and maintenance of the Community, to ensure that it provides a pleasant and comfortable home for the Companions, whilst adhering to health and safety requirements.

So, if you hold optimism for change, advocate for social justice and have in-depth understanding of challenges faced by people with experience of homelessness and migration and have a positive “can do” attitude we would love to hear from you. You will be joining a friendly and enthusiastic team who are passionate about what they do. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience of trauma informed practice, asset-based approaches, quality assurance frameworks or from a background of supporting vulnerable adults into work; experience of working in partnership with a range of agencies to coordinate activities and initiatives and achieve positive outcomes. 

The role

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our Banes Team.

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility due to the role involving travel around Banes, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

Hours of Work:37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Location: Home based with travel in and around the Banes area.
(Applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport)

Salary: starting salary £24,242.40 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements:

• Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
• Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
• Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
• 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
• Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
• Auto enrolment Pension plan.
• Death in service cover.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do
 

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait, click apply now!
 

Closing Date: 9AM, Wednesday 10th December 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)
 

Interview Date: TBC

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.
 

We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce/this team/department/job role.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

Make a real difference in people's lives - and let us make a real difference to your life and career.City of Chelmsford Mencap is an independent charity that supports people affected by learning disability across mid-Essex.  It provides lifelong learning, social opportunities, work experience, advocacy and information.

Summary of the Role

The Support Lead plays a key hands-on role in delivering high-quality, person-centred support within the Outreach Academy, CCM’s lifelong learning service. They help coordinate daily activities, promote independence and wellbeing, and ensure service users experience meaningful learning in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment.

The Support Lead works closely with the Senior Support Leads to implement care plans, support learning sessions, uphold safeguarding responsibilities, and model best practice based on key social care values. They guide and assist specialist support workers, tutors, volunteers, and work placement students during sessions, helping to create a positive and enriched learning experience for all participants.

Key Social Care Values and Approaches Required

The Support Lead must demonstrate understanding and use of:

• Person-centred thinking, planning and co-production
• Strengths-based and outcomes-focused practice
• Active Support approaches
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
• Making Safeguarding Personal
• Supported decision-making and the relevant legislation
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Accessible communication methods (e.g., visual supports, Makaton, easy-read)
• Dignity in Care and principles of respect, choice, independence and inclusion

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting Daily Operations
• Direct Support and Person-Centred Practice
• Guiding and Supporting Staff, Students & Volunteers
• Communication and Partnership Working
• ​Safeguarding, Safety and Risk Management
• Record-Keeping and Administration
• ​Quality, Reflection and Development​

Initial interviews will be held in the week commencing 12th January

Could you help people improve their health and well-being through gardening? Do you have experience of working in a community gardening or health and social care setting?

At Thrive, our Practitioners work with plants and people to improve an individual’s physical and psychological health, social interaction, skills and confidence.

are looking for an STH Practitioner to provide high quality and effective Social and Therapeutic Horticulture programmes for adults in our gardens in Beech Hill, near Reading and outreach settings.

Working alongside volunteers this role will support people with learning disabilities, autism, long term health conditions or disabilities.

Based at Thrive’s Reading Centre in Beech Hill. The role may include occasional work undertaken off-site in Reading and surrounding areas and occasional travel to the Thrive Centres in London and Birmingham. There could be an opportunity to work with children and young people with disabilities or PMLD.

Full or part-time options considered