Jobs in North west

Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions and their families. We provide vital research, support, and practical solutions that empower families facing complex challenges.

With an annual income of £3 million and a headcount of 68 employees, we have ambitious plans to double our income between 2025 and 2027, ensuring we can extend our impact, reach more families, and drive real change. To achieve this, we are investing in fundraising innovation, income generating ventures, and strategic partnerships, alongside enhancing our brand to increase our national recognition.

Our work is underpinned by our values ensuring that everything we do aligns with our mission to create a better world for children with neurological conditions.

This is an incredibly exciting time to join Cerebra, as we are preparing to launch our new strategy and brand. The COO is a vital leadership role that will support the drive towards even greater impact for children and families across the UK.

Our Services

Sleep Advice Service

Cerebra understands that if you have a child that doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. Many children with neurological conditions suffer from disrupted sleep. Our sleep advice service provides bespoke advice and support so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

Legal Rights Service

Our Legal Rights Service provides help and support to families of children with neurological conditions when they are faced with barriers and difficulties in accessing statutory support services they are entitled to. The service provides information on their legal entitlements.

Book and Toy Library Service

Our specialist postal lending library contains a wide range of books for both adults and children, plus a selection of sensory toys specifically chosen for children with a neurological condition.

Innovation and Product Design Service

Our Innovation Service designs and builds bespoke products that cater to the specific needs of children with neurological conditions. The aim of the service is to make products that are desirable and exciting, therefore promoting social inclusion, peer acceptance and enabling children to participate in everyday activities that are so often close to them.

Information Products

Cerebra publishes different information products to help families with a child with a neurological condition. Our information products offer comprehensive, up-to-date support and research-driven strategies to assist families with a wide range of issues.

Buzgi and Toy Adaptation Service

Cerebra designs and builds bespoke assistive equipment for disabled children, this includes creating custom mobility aids, switch‑adapted toys, and other innovative solutions to help children access play, learning, and independence.

The Bugzi - a mini powered wheelchair for children offers many children their first experience of independent mobility. It uses either a joystick or switches and adaptable seating for complex needs, and helps develop spatial awareness, confidence, and early mobility skills. The Bugzi is available through a national loan scheme.

Additionally, we operate commercial services (including a web shop) to supplement our income to support children and their families.

Our services are provided to families free of charge.

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer

Direct reports:

3 senior managers (Finance (headcount of 3), HR (headcount of 1), IT (headcount of 5))

Purpose of the Role:

The Chief Operating Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Leadership Team to deliver Cerebra’s vision and ambitious strategic aims. The Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management across key areas within Cerebra including:

• Operational Systems
• Governance
• Compliance
• Finance and Growth

This is a pivotal executive leadership role, responsible for driving organisational performance, sustainability and growth. The COO will translate Cerebra’s strategic ambitions into effective operational delivery, ensuring robust governance, financial stewardship and a high-performing, values-led culture.

As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, the COO will lead core operational services and commercial activity, enabling the charity to maximise impact and generate sustainable income in support of its charitable objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to deliver strategic priorities, growth and long-term sustainability
• Collaboration with the Director’s Group to ensure strategic alignment across the charity. The Director’s Group consists of:

            Chief Executive Officer

            Chief Operating Officer

            Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications

            Director of Research and Support Services

• Provide expert advice on finance, operations, commercial performance and organisational risk
• Lead organisational planning, business continuity, and operational resilience
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and inclusion

Finance, Commercial & Sustainability

• Lead financial strategy, planning and performance, ensuring long-term sustainability
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and financial controls
• Lead and develop Cerebra’s strategy for commercial income , ensuring alignment with charitable objectives
• Support funding growth through strong financial insight and business case development
• Ensure robust financial governance, audit and compliance

Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead and strengthen operational functions including HR, IT, governance and administration
• Ensure effective systems, processes and infrastructure that enable growth, efficiency and impact
• Oversee procurement, contracts, facilities, and organisational compliance
• Drive innovation and value for money across operations

People & Culture

• Champion a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
• Oversee HR strategy, workforce planning and leadership development
• Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice
• Promote wellbeing, engagement and organisational effectiveness

Digital & Technology

• Provide strategic oversight of IT, data and digital development
• Ensure systems are secure, resilient and aligned to organisational needs
• Leverage data and technology to improve insight, decision-making and organisational impact

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure effective governance frameworks, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Support the CEO and Board with high-quality reporting and strategic insight
• Lead safeguarding, data protection and organisational risk strategy
• Drive a strong culture of accountability and ethical practice

Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop a small senior team across finance, HR and IT
• Build capability, strengthen performance, and embed a collaborative culture
• Model Cerebra’s values and leadership behaviours

Key Attributes

• Strategic and commercially minded leader with strong operational delivery experience
• Strong financial leadership and business acumen
• Proven track record of driving income growth, sustainability and organisational performance
• Skilled in governance, risk and stakeholder engagement

Please see attached job description for the Person Specification.

Assistant Shop Manager

Reporting to: Shop Manager

£26,848 - £28,492

37.5 hours per week

Huyton, Liverpool

We are looking for a passionate, ambitious Assistant Charity Shop Manager to join our team to help manage one of our successful charity shops.

As an Assistant Shop Manager for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, you will work alongside the Shop Manager to deliver sales, Gift Aid and profit targets to generate income for our charity. You will support the Shop Manager by leading and developing a diverse shop team, including volunteers, always demonstrating our Charity Values of:

• Courage
• Together
• Passion
• Magic

The Assistant Shop Manager will be an integral part of the wider Charity team. 

You will play a vital role in supporting the Shop Manager to lead, motivate, and develop a team of dedicated employees and volunteers, fostering strong community engagement and maximising the shop’s impact. This includes encouraging and harnessing the gifts of time from volunteers, goods from donors, and income from customers. As a visible and active ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Charity on the high street, you will ensure the shop reflects the Charity’s values and purpose in all that it does. You will also support and assist with van collections and deliveries, to ensure the smooth and efficient transport of donated goods, while representing the Charity with enthusiasm and professionalism.

Income generation

• Work with the Shop Manager to maximise sales and profits ensuring weekly targets are met.
• Support the team to maximise income from Gift Aid on donated products.
• Support the team to maximise income via our online platforms.
• Support van deliveries and collections, including arranging schedules and assisting on the van when required to meet operational needs and support the team.
• Work with the wider Charity team to promote and support fundraising activities and events.
• Explore ways to maximise sales via events, donation drives, pop-up shops etc.
• Cash up the till at the end of shift and ensure banking documents are completed. Investigate any discrepancies and report them to the Manager.
• Support with ensuring the money is ready and accessible for cash collection.
• Open and close the shop at the appropriate times.

Volunteers

• Support and management of a team of volunteers.
• Proactively recruit, manage and retain a diverse team of volunteers, utilise their skill sets and motivate them to deliver great customer service and perform tasks in-line with charity standards.
• Maximise the shop’s opening hours and ensure the shop is open and managed by the shop team in the absence of the Shop Manager.
• Help to provide and support ongoing training and development for volunteers.
• Work and treat employees, volunteers and stakeholders in accordance with the Charity’s values.

Health & Safety (in conjunction with Shop Manager)

• Ensure the shop adheres to Retail Health and Safety regulations.
• Implement good Health and Safety practices to help protect employees, volunteers, and customers.
• Help to ensure employees and volunteers are trained in manual handling.
• Help maintain the cleanliness of the shop and behind the scenes areas.

Stock Control (in conjunction with Shop Manager)

• Ensure continuous, sufficient levels of high-quality stock.
• Be responsible for deliveries and stock controls.
• Ensure stock is appropriate to the business and priced accordingly.
• Maintain a rigorous process of stock rotation, ensuring rotation within expiry dates.
• Ensure visual merchandising is a high priority, with products featured prominently in window displays.

Customer Service

• Be professional, patient and have a ‘people-first’ approach to customer services.
• Be committed to the principles of equality, diversity, and collaborative working.
• Set high standards of cleanliness, display and merchandising.
• Establish quality standards, consumer safety and ensuring continuity.
• Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent the Charity’s values.

 

Other Duties

• Be an outstanding advocate for Alder Hey Children’s Charity in line with the core values of the organisation.

Any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager.

Shop Manager

Reporting to: Retail Support Manager

£27,941 - £30,840

37.5 hours per week

Huyton, Liverpool

As a Shop Manager for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, you will deliver sales, Gift Aid and profit targets to generate income for our charity. You will empower and lead a diverse shop team, including volunteers, always demonstrating our Charity Values of:

• Courage
• Together
• Passion
• Magic

The Shop Manager will be an integral part of the wider Charity team. 

Income Generation

• Accountable for the shop’s performance in relation to all sales targets and Gift Aid targets and KPI’s. Ensuring that the results are communicated to the shop team and that all staff and volunteers are aware of, understand and are working to meet/exceed the agreed targets and KPI’s.
• Actively drive stock generation through community engagement and donor relationships
• Ensure maximum stock availability through effective stock control and shop replenishment.
• Continually review the rotation, quality, and replenishment of stock in order to maximise sales.
• Achieve the optimum price point for all stock items and promotional merchandise for seasonal and window themes, following the principles of Alder Hey Children’s Charity price guidelines.
• Provide direction and support to shop staff to actively promote Gift Aid in order to maximise contributions from donations.
• Identify local market and business development opportunities for performance improvement.
• Explore ways to maximise sales via events, donation drives, pop-up shops etc.
• Support the team to maximise income via our online platforms.
• Make commercial decisions to drive profitability of the shop.
• Present and maintain the highest standards of shop merchandising and visual layout.
• Support van deliveries and collections, including arranging schedules and assisting on the van when required to meet operational needs and support the team.
• Prepare and complete all shop administration inclusive of cash handling and banking functions to the highest standard, accurately and on time, always adhering to Policies and Procedures.
• Plan and organise daily workload throughout the shop in a way that ensures efficiency.
• Maintain an appropriate income/expense budget e.g., petty cash in accordance with the set targets to maximise the profitability of the shop.
• Seek, utilise and analyse management information including EPOS data to manage shop performance, seizing opportunities for improvement.
• Work with the wider Charity team to promote and support fundraising activities and events.

Staffing and Volunteers

• Create an inclusive environment where staff, volunteers and customers are treated with dignity, respect and fairness
• Line management of Assistant Shop Manager and team of volunteers.
• Proactively recruit, manage and retain a diverse team of volunteers, utilise their skill sets and motivate them to deliver great customer service and perform tasks in-line with charity standards.
• Maximise the shop’s opening hours and ensure the shop is open and managed by the shop team in the managers absence.
• Accountable for planning the shop rota, including both shop staff and volunteers to ensure cover at all times.
• Ensures that the new staff members and volunteers are provided with the appropriate induction process and training for their role.
• Provide and support ongoing training and development.
• Train and develop shop staff and volunteers in customer service standards, operating standards and retailing skills.
• To work and treat staff and stakeholders in accordance with the Charity’s values
• Ensure all Security, Health and Safety policies and procedures are adhered to in order to provide a safe and secure shop environment for staff, volunteers, customers and charity assets.
• Provide regular and relevant training for staff and volunteers in Health and Safety, maintain legal compliance at all times.

Customer Service

• Be passionate about delivering the highest level of shop standards, cleanliness, display and merchandising.
• Exceed customer expectations by providing excellent quality service.
• Seek out new opportunities to make a real difference our customers experience.
• Make a positive impact within the local community.
• Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent the Charity’s values

Other Duties

• Be an outstanding advocate for Alder Hey Children’s Charity in line with the core values of the organisation.
• Be an active and supportive member of the Alder Hey Children’s Charity team, contributing to the team’s development and working collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers. Attend and support events run by the fundraising teams where required.

Any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager.

Job Title: Development Officer

Reports to: Senior Development Manager

Location: Contracted to Breaking Barrier’ office in London, Birmingham or Manchester, with some expectation of travel 

Terms: 5 days per week (37.5 hours) but open to part-time (minimum 30 hours) and flexible working arrangements

Contract: Permanent

Salary:   £28,000 - £33,500 (Depending on the location and experience)

Purpose of the Role

The fundraising team at Breaking Barriers generates income from a range of sources: trusts and foundations, statutory and lottery, corporate and major donors. We sit within the wider Income and Engagement Directorate, alongside communications and public fundraising, and work closely together to drive income and engagement from funders, partners and supporters who share our vision that every refugee can access meaningful employment and build a new life. 

The Development Officer manages our portfolio of small trusts and foundations (grants up to £10,000), securing income and developing relationships from existing donors and new prospects. The role involves writing compelling funding proposals, delivering effective stewardship, and meeting all reporting requirements to a high standard.

Alongside portfolio management, the post-holder co-ordinates our fundraising events programme, ensuring both online and in-person events deepen engagement with our cause. The role also provides active support across fundraising appeals and the statutory, lottery and major donor income streams, including prospect research. The post-holder will also contribute to the operational efficiency of the fundraising team through effective administration.

This is a varied, fast-paced role that will suit someone with strong writing skills, attention to detail and a genuine commitment to our mission. It offers real scope to develop knowledge and skills across a wide range of fundraising disciplines within a supportive and ambitious team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Income generation (60%)

· Manage and develop a portfolio of trusts and foundations awarding grants of up to £10,000, delivering tailored stewardship and relationship management across both warm relationships and cold prospects.

· Plan, write and submit compelling funding applications based on a clear understanding of Breaking Barriers' programmes, funding needs and funder requirements.

· Manage all reporting requirements within your portfolio, ensuring reports are completed accurately and to deadline.

· Undertake research to identify new prospects, gathering relevant background information including funding interests, grant levels and connection points with Breaking Barriers.

· Ensure all income and pipeline activity is accurately recorded and kept up to date in Salesforce.

· Act as the philanthropy lead for the Big Give Challenge Appeal.

2. Fundraising Events and Stewardship (20%)

· Co-ordinate Breaking Barriers' fundraising events programme, working across the fundraising team and wider Income and Engagement Directorate to shape a calendar that inspires and engages funders, supporters and senior volunteers.

· Manage event logistics including venue sourcing, guest list coordination, on-the-day support and follow-up.

· Lead on the development of stewardship materials for philanthropy audiences, including impact updates, newsletters and event collateral.

3. Prospect Research and Fundraising Administration (15%)

· Carry out prospect research to support the major gifts, statutory and lottery fundraising pipelines, producing clear, well-structured briefings for senior colleagues.

· Build and maintain funder profiles, recording prospect activity, research findings and pipeline information accurately in Salesforce.

· Support colleagues in the finance team with gift administration and thanking processes.

· Contribute to the directorate's approach to data quality and CRM best practice.

4. Other Responsibilities (5%)

· Participate in cross-team projects to build a thorough understanding of Breaking Barriers' work and wider activities.

· Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required within the scope of this role.

· Demonstrate Breaking Barriers' values of being welcoming, collaborative, mission-led and entrepreneurial.

Person Specification
Essential

· Demonstrable knowledge of and/or interest in the refugee or employment sectors.

· Experience of writing compelling funding proposals or other relevant persuasive content for different audiences.

· Understanding of the principles of trusts and foundations fundraising, whether through direct experience or study.

· Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise information and present it clearly.

· Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

· Strong attention to detail.

· Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative and problem-solve.

· Able to build effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels.

· Confident using Microsoft Office and comfortable learning new systems.

 Desirable

· Experience of trusts and foundations fundraising in the charity sector.

· Familiarity with major donor, statutory or lottery fundraising.

· Experience using Salesforce or another fundraising CRM.

· Knowledge of GDPR and data protection principles as they apply to fundraising.

Other considerations:

· Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully taken into account when deciding action. 

· We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief. 

· Breaking Barriers particularly welcomes applicants with experience of seeking asylum and/or a refugee background. 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we are committed to offering an accessible recruitment process and guarantee an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role. 

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Animal Free Research UK to recruit the organisation's first full time Media and PR Manager.

About Animal Free Research UK
Animal Free Research UK is a UK charity working to replace the use of animals in medical research. It funds and supports pioneering, human-relevant science such as advanced lab models, data science and other non-animal research methods that aim to deliver better treatments for diseases faster.
Alongside its grant-making work, the organisation actively champions and accelerates the transition to animal-free research by collaborating with scientists, building centres of excellence, and promoting innovation across the life sciences sector.
It also undertakes advocacy, campaigning and policy work; influencing government and public debate to drive legislative and systemic change towards ending animal testing in the UK.
An amazing organisation doing so much incredible work, Animal Free Research UK combines research funding, sector leadership and public affairs activity to create a future where medical research is both effective for humans and free from animal use.

Media and PR Manager
Contract: Permanent, full time position
Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 per annum
Location: Animal Free Research UK is a fully remote organisation, and this is therefore a predominantly home based role. The postholder will be required to travel within the UK around 10 to 12 times per year for team get togethers or events and meetings. Travel will be paid by the organisation when required
Closing date for applications: 9am on Friday 26th June
Interviews: first round interviews will be held on the 7th and 8th July, with second round planned for 14th July

About the role
This is a truly exciting opportunity for a talented media and PR professional to really be creative in a brand new role for an organisation which has made some fantastic inroads into the influencer and media spaces over the past 18 months.
Building on a solid foundation you will be responsible for elevating the organisation's public profile and driving engagement with core media and influencer audiences at a pivotal moment for the organisation.
Delivering influencer and media work that supports across celebrity engagement and fundraising, public affairs advocacy, as well as the organisation's new Centre for Human Specific Research, yours will be a core role within the team.

Key responsibilities within the role will be as follows:

• Develop and implement integrated PR campaigns that support the charity's public affairs work, the Centre for Human Specific Research, and wider initiatives
• Create persuasive PR materials, including press releases, op-eds, spokespeople briefings, comment pieces, and digital content
• Identify newsworthy stories related to campaign milestones, scientific breakthroughs, policy announcements, and funded research
• Maintain and grow relationships with journalists, broadcasters, sector media, influencers, and celebrity supporters to secure sustained, high-quality coverage
• Draft, place, and pitch press releases, letters to editors, feature articles, and broadcast opportunities aligned with brand guidelines and with appropriate organisational sign-off.
• Act as first point of contact for media enquiries, managing proactive and reactive press activity
• Track media coverage, sentiment, and reach, using analytics to refine strategy and maximise impact.
• Build on the charity's success with celebrity supporters and social media campaigns to increase visibility, engagement, and fundraising impact
• Develop and launch a Celebrity Ambassador Scheme, identifying, onboarding, and supporting high-profile advocates
• Plan and deliver PR events, photo opportunities, digital campaigns, and celebrity-led activations that amplify awareness, engagement, and fundraising outcomes
• Collaborate closely with the digital team to align PR campaigns with social media strategy, amplifying reach through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms
• Track and report on the impact of social media and celebrity-led initiatives, using insights to optimise campaigns and inform future strategy
• Support crisis and risk communications planning, ensuring consistent, credible responses on sensitive or complex issues.
• Monitor, evaluate and regularly report on the effectiveness of PR output for senior colleagues, identifying recommendations for continual improvement
• Contribute to ongoing reviews and evaluation of whether Animal Free Research UK is reaching the right audiences and is achieving its communications goals Measure

We'd love to hear from individuals with the following core skills and experience:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent through experience
• PR and/or media trained with a professional qualification or equivalent through experience
• Demonstrable success in securing high-impact media coverage in national, broadcast, and digital media
• Proven experience building and maintaining relationships with journalists, influencers, and high-profile supporters
• Strong copywriting and editing skills tailored to diverse audiences
• Experience managing a media desk, including proactive and reactive work
• Ability to interpret complex scientific or policy content and communicate it clearly and compellingly
• Influential communicator with strong interpersonal skills, confidence in public engagement and stakeholder management
• Familiarity with media monitoring and CRM tools
• Deep commitment to animal protection, scientific integrity, and the strategic goals of Animal Free Research UK
• Strategic thinker who can act tactically, manage multiple priorities, and work under tight deadlines
• Flexible and resilient approach to work, with willingness to travel and work out-of-hours as needed

If you're interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please send your CV to Alice at Charity People in the first instance. Alice can be reached by 'Apply Now' button. 

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Housing Support Worker

Latch is an exceptional charitable organisation that refurbishes derelict and run-down houses in Leeds. Once fully renovated and furnished, our properties offer supported housing for individuals experiencing homelessness or facing housing challenges, empowering them to embark on a journey towards positive transformation in their lives. We provide flexible, individualised support. We are developing our service based on innovati

ve evidence-based practice, incorporating Strengths Based Approaches and Trauma Informed Practice. 

Based at our offices in Chapeltown, Leeds, we are recruiting an experienced worker to support our tenants to:

• Establish and maintain their tenancies to prevent recurring homelessness.
• Address their identified and evolving support needs.
• Develop a range of skills so that they can move to independent living.
• Identify and take steps towards achieving their personal goals.

#supportworker #housingsupportworker #homeless #housing #supportedhousing #support #socialhousing #socialwork #homlessness #mentalhealth #traumainformed #socialcare 

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Project Development Officer to join our team as a pivotal element of our new National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported project.

The project will significantly augment our capacity to support UK synagogues in need of support to preserve their historic fabric and protect and make accessible the Jewish heritage they embody. The successful candidate will report to the Foundation's Projects Director, leading on essential organisational development and project set-up in the year 1 Development Phase of the project.

While a specialist consultant team will be recruited to implement this project during years 2-6 of the project subject to a successful Delivery Phase application, the Project Development Officer is integral to scoping and developing the delivery programme in the crucial initial planning of the project.

The role
The Domestic Abuse Prevention Worker will undertake individual and group sessions with men and women who are participating in our Domestic Abuse Prevention Programmes (DAPP) or Domestic Abuse Interventions. The purpose of this role is to deliver sessions that support a perpetrator to address and change their behaviour, ensuring they develop their understanding of domestic abuse, as well as it’s impact on others. You will conduct comprehensive needs and suitability assessments. You will support the delivery of face-to-face and online sessions, including two evening group sessions per week. 

As a Domestic Abuse Prevention Worker, you will work with people on awareness raising, developing their motivation to change, ensuring accountability, and prioritising the safety of their partners/ex-partners and any children involved. The Domestic Abuse Prevention worker will work closely with the victim/survivor integrated service to review risk, develop safety plans, and improve outcomes for all parties involved. 

As part of the role, you will be working with some perpetrators of domestic abuse that have been served a DAPOs. This role will include travel and delivery across Greater Manchester. 

About you

You’ll have a deep understanding of the nature of domestic abuse and its effects on clients and children, as well as the reasons behind abusive behaviours towards intimate partners.

Your knowledge extends to the range of statutory and voluntary agencies that clients and their children may encounter, and you are aware of the impact of domestic abuse on children and parenting, including the additional needs of clients from BAMER communities. 

You will have experience in working with clients on issues of domestic abuse, providing one-to-one and group support and advice, managing your own workload and administration, and assessing the risk and safety of your clients and those connected to your client. You will have handled safeguarding disclosures and referrals, and you communicate clearly with a range of people both over the telephone and in person. 

You will be organised, able to use your initiative, and work effectively as part of a multi-service team. Your administrative skills are strong, and you are adept at using a computer to maintain effective systems. 

Flexible and willing to work evenings, you can travel independently. Additionally, you will have an understanding of trauma-informed practices, risk mitigation, and safeguarding. Experience liaising with social workers and other professionals, and in related areas such as substance misuse, child protection, or family support, is desirable. 

Fluency in an additional language and skills in group work are also advantageous. You stay updated with best practices and new initiatives. 

We want you to feel empowered to bring your authentic self to this role, so we encourage flexible working around core hours. We offer an annual continuous Professional Development allowance, generous annual leave entitlement and Birthday leave.

About us

We want to make working at TLC an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
It takes a dedicated, passionate, and flexible team to deliver the range of services we provide. We’re lucky to have over 150 people on our teams and 12 Trustees who believe in what we do. We are looking for enthusiastic, experienced, engaged and highly motivated people to join our team.

We aim to encourage a culture where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths. We seek to attract and employ the best people from the widest pool, reflecting the diverse range of people we support.

We want to make our recruitment processes accessible to everyone, so if there is any way that we can support you to be the best you can be, please contact us. 

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

About The Role
There are moments when marketing is not just about campaigns, but about helping shape the future.
Every gift in a Will tells a story of hope, a decision to make a lasting difference in the lives of people affected by dementia. The people behind those gifts are what turns that hope into real progress – funding care, research, and support that continues long into the future.
Bringing in over a third of the charity’s income and winning Legacy Team of the Year at the Legacy Giving Awards 2026, we are building on strong momentum and ambitious goals.
We are now looking for a Legacy Marketing Executive to join us in a permanent, home-based role. You will work across multiple channels and projects, helping to grow awareness and inspire more people to consider leaving a gift in their Will.
You will be part of a friendly, collaborative team within a wider Income and Engagement directorate, all united by a shared mission to help change the future of dementia. 
What you’ll do
You’ll lead on planning and delivering legacy marketing campaigns from start to finish. You’ll make sure campaigns are clear, well targeted, and reach the right people.
You’ll work with teams across the organisation and with external partners to keep everything running smoothly.
You’ll also review results and use what you learn to improve future campaigns.

- Deliver campaigns across different channels, including creative development, targeting, and planning
- Work with agencies, suppliers, and internal teams
- Track campaign performance and review results against KPIs like ROI and response rates
- Use data and insight to improve future campaigns
- Contribute ideas to legacy strategy and planning
- Work with Regional Legacy Giving and Case teams to support a joined-up supporter experience
- Follow all relevant rules, regulations, and brand guidelines

About you
We’re open to different backgrounds and paths into this role. You might already work in direct marketing, legacy, individual giving, or another area of the charity sector. Or you might be bringing transferable skills from a different marketing role and looking to move into this space.
What matters most is how you work, your curiosity, and your interest in using marketing to make a difference.
We’d like to hear from you if you can show:

- Delivery of direct marketing campaigns across offline and digital channels
- Work in legacy, individual giving, direct marketing, or another marketing environment in a charity setting
- Understanding of fundraising and supporter journeys, with an interest in legacy giving
- A team-focused approach and willingness to support others
- Use of data or testing to improve campaign results

Above all, you want your work to have purpose and help people make a lasting difference.
Interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place on the 21st and 22nd July via MS Teams.

About Alzheimer's Society
Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer's Society Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a Criminal Record Check at the relevant level. You can read more information via our Website.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it's like to be an employee at the Society.

Many of us have discovered the joy and the necessity of spending time in nature. Whether alone or with family, we’ve found that connecting with green spaces helps us become more: more resilient, more creative, more at ease. Across the UK, our national parks provide the perfect setting to continue that journey… to explore more.

Prospectus are proud to be supporting our client on the growth of their pioneering Nature Based Solutions (NbS) work. NPP identifies, secures and manages commercial and strategic partnerships for the UK’s 15 national parks. It’s a small, ambitious and entrepreneurial organisation, committed to increasing the impact, resources and influence of these vital landscapes, helping us all to #BeMoreOutside.

As part of this ambition, we are now seeking an NbS Modelling Officer to join a newly established, DEFRA-funded Feasibility & Modelling Unit.

Working within a specialist NbS team, you will support the development of nature recovery projects across national parks and national landscapes, contributing to the data, analysis and modelling that underpins their success. This is an exciting opportunity to build your experience at the intersection of conservation, land management and green finance.

Working closely with the Modelling Manager and Feasibility Managers, you will assist with ecological and financial modelling, GIS mapping, and the development of project documentation. You’ll help project teams understand the environmental benefits of their work and support the identification of opportunities to secure funding through nature markets and other mechanisms.

Your role will also involve working with national parks and national landscape teams to gather and analyse data, support feasibility studies, and contribute to clear, engaging reports and presentations. Alongside this, you will help maintain internal systems and contribute to knowledge sharing across the team, keeping up to date with developments in nature and green finance.

You’ll be working in a fast-evolving and collaborative environment, where your attention to detail, strong organisational skills and willingness to learn will be key.

You will bring experience of working with data to support projects, ideally within an environmental, conservation, land management or NGO setting. You’ll be confident using tools such as GIS and Microsoft 365, with strong analytical and research skills and the ability to present information clearly.

A well organised and proactive team player, you’ll be comfortable managing multiple tasks, building relationships with a range of stakeholders, and contributing positively within a remote team environment.

This is a fully remote role, with travel across the UK to national parks and team meet-ups. Candidates must be willing and able to travel as required.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice, Prospectus is committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are here to support you throughout the process.

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience for this role.

 

Many of us have discovered the joy and the necessity of spending time in nature. Whether alone or with family, we’ve found that connecting with green spaces helps us become more: more resilient, more creative, more at ease. Across the UK, our national parks provide the perfect setting to continue that journey… to explore more.

Prospectus are proud to be supporting our client on the growth of their pioneering Nature Based Solutions (NbS) work. NPP identifies, secures and manages commercial and strategic partnerships for the UK’s 15 national parks. It’s a small, ambitious and entrepreneurial organisation, committed to increasing the impact, resources and influence of these vital landscapes, helping us all to #BeMoreOutside.

As part of this ambition, we are now seeking an NbS Modelling Manager to join a newly established, DEFRA-funded Feasibility & Modelling Unit.

Working within a specialist NbS team, you will play a pivotal role in translating nature recovery projects into credible, investment-ready propositions across national parks and national landscapes. This is a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of conservation, land management and green finance, applying advanced modelling to unlock private investment into nature at scale.

Working closely with project teams and Feasibility Managers, you will lead on financial and ecological modelling, helping to quantify ecosystem services and shape projects that can successfully access revenue through mechanisms such as carbon markets, biodiversity net gain (BNG), and other payments for ecosystem services. A key part of your role will be developing robust financial models and ensuring projects align with the expectations of investors, offtakers and landowners.

You’ll also engage externally with a range of stakeholders, including equity investors and partners, providing confidence in the financial viability of projects and advising on innovative financing approaches. Alongside this, you will contribute to wider knowledge sharing, helping to strengthen understanding of green finance across protected landscapes.

You’ll be working in a fast-evolving and commercially emerging space, where your ability to combine technical expertise with strategic insight will be critical.

You will bring strong experience in financial and/or ecological modelling within environmental or natural capital settings, with a deeper or more specialised focus on green finance and nature markets. This might include experience gained within organisations such as environmental consultancies, natural capital firms, or market-focused organisations such as Environment Bank or similar.

Comfortable working with complexity, you’ll be confident building and interrogating financial models, understanding investment drivers, and communicating clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences. You will bring a high level of attention to detail alongside the ability to see the bigger strategic picture.

A proactive and collaborative approach is essential, as is the ability to work independently within a remote team while managing multiple strands of work.

This is a fully remote role, with travel across the UK to national parks and team meet-ups. Candidates must be willing and able to travel as required.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice, Prospectus is committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are here to support you throughout the process.

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience for this role.

 

Many of us have discovered the joy and the necessity of spending time in nature. Whether alone or with family, we’ve found that connecting with green spaces helps us become more: more resilient, more creative, more at ease. Across the UK, our national parks provide the perfect setting to continue that journey… to explore more.

Prospectus are proud to be supporting our client on the growth of their pioneering Nature Based Solutions (NbS) work. NPP identifies, secures and manages commercial and strategic partnerships for the UK’s 15 national parks. It’s a small, ambitious and entrepreneurial organisation, committed to increasing the impact, resources and influence of these vital landscapes,  helping us all to #BeMoreOutside.

As part of this ambition, we are now seeking a Project Feasibility Manager to join a newly established, DEFRA-funded Feasibility & Modelling Unit.

Working within a specialist NbS team, you will play a key role in shaping early-stage nature recovery projects across national parks and national landscapes. This is an exciting opportunity to sit at the intersection of conservation, land management and green finance.  You’ll help project teams understand what’s possible, what impact can be achieved, and how projects can be funded through emerging nature markets.

Working closely with park teams on the ground, you will take a consultative approach, assessing project ideas, modelling ecosystem services, and identifying opportunities to generate revenue through mechanisms such as carbon credits, biodiversity net gain (BNG), and other payments for ecosystem services. You’ll support the development of compelling, evidence-based feasibility studies and help build a pipeline of investable nature projects across the UK.

You’ll be working in an evolving and fast-moving space, where your ability to adapt, think critically and communicate complex ideas clearly will be key.

You will bring experience from an environmental consultancy or conservation background alongside a strong understanding of nature recovery and UK nature markets. Comfortable working with data, you’ll have experience of modelling, feasibility work or ecosystem service assessment, and ideally some exposure to natural capital approaches and relevant standards or codes.

A well organised and proactive self-starter, you’ll be confident managing multiple projects in a remote environment, whilst building effective, collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

This role is part time, 22.5 hours per week.

This is a fully remote role, with travel across the UK to national parks and team meet-ups. Candidates must be willing and able to travel as required.
​​​​​​​
As a specialist Recruitment Practice, Prospectus is committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are here to support you throughout the process.

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience for this role.
 

Many of us have discovered the joy and the necessity of spending time in nature. Whether alone or with family, we’ve found that connecting with green spaces helps us become more: more resilient, more creative, more at ease. Across the UK, our national parks provide the perfect setting to continue that journey… to explore more.

Prospectus are proud to be supporting our client on the growth of their pioneering Nature Based Solutions (NbS) work. NPP identifies, secures and manages commercial and strategic partnerships for the UK’s 15 national parks. It’s a small, ambitious and entrepreneurial organisation, committed to increasing the impact, resources and influence of these vital landscapes, helping us all to #BeMoreOutside.

As part of this ambition, we are now seeking a Project Feasibility Manager to join a newly established, DEFRA-funded Feasibility & Modelling Unit.

Working within a specialist NbS team, you will play a key role in shaping early-stage nature recovery projects across national parks and bational landscapes. This is an exciting opportunity to sit at the intersection of conservation, land management and green finance. You’ll help project teams understand what’s possible, what impact can be achieved, and how projects can be funded through emerging nature markets.

Working closely with park teams on the ground, you will take a consultative approach, assessing project ideas, modelling ecosystem services, and identifying opportunities to generate revenue through mechanisms such as carbon credits, biodiversity net gain (BNG), and other payments for ecosystem services. You’ll support the development of compelling, evidence-based feasibility studies and help build a pipeline of investable nature projects across the UK.

You’ll be working in an evolving and fast-moving space, where your ability to adapt, think critically and communicate complex ideas clearly will be key.

You will bring experience from an environmental consultancy or conservation background alongside a strong understanding of nature recovery and UK nature markets. Comfortable working with data, you’ll have experience of modelling, feasibility work or ecosystem service assessment, and ideally some exposure to natural capital approaches and relevant standards or codes.

A well organised and proactive self-starter, you’ll be confident managing multiple projects in a remote environment, whilst building effective, collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

This is a fully remote role, with travel across the UK to national parks and team meet-ups. Candidates must be willing and able to travel as required.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice, Prospectus is committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are here to support you throughout the process.

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience for this role.
 

We are looking for a Weekenders Journey Guide to support prospective Weekend Foster Carers from their first conversations with Now Foster through to the next stages of the recruitment and assessment journey.

This is a highly relational, candidate-facing role. You will be one of the main people helping applicants understand what Weekenders is, explore whether it is right for them, stay motivated through the process, and feel supported to take the next step.

Introductory conversations (our ‘intro chats’) will be a core part of the role. You will speak with people who are curious about fostering, but who may also feel unsure, nervous or are still working out whether they can foster. Your role will be to bring warmth, clarity and momentum: helping people feel welcomed, informed and confident, while also making sure the right people progress at the right pace.

You will use Now Foster’s digital platform (a bespoke CRM system) to manage the candidate journey, track progress, record key information and help the team understand where applicants are getting stuck or moving forward. You will play an important role in making sure we are attracting the right leads, supporting them well, and learning how to improve the journey as we grow.

This role would particularly suit someone with experience of fostering or working in fostering. It could also suit someone from a related background who is deeply motivated by innovation in this area and excited by what fostering could look like if it were designed around children, carers and relationships.

You do not need to be a qualified social worker, but you do need to be emotionally mature, reflective, organised and comfortable working closely with a social work-led team. You will need to understand safeguarding, and be confident holding thoughtful conversations with prospective carers.

What You’ll Be Doing

Supporting candidates through the journey

• Acting as a consistent, warm and encouraging point of contact for prospective Weekend Foster Carers.

• Carrying out intro chats with people who have expressed interest in the Weekenders programme.

• Helping candidates understand the Weekenders programme, what the role involves, and what the journey looks like.

• Supporting candidates to reflect on whether Weekenders is right for them.

• Keeping candidates engaged, informed and motivated as they move through the process.

• Helping people overcome practical barriers where appropriate, while being honest and clear about expectations.

• Making sure candidate communication feels relational, timely and values-led.

Helping the right people progress

• Helping identify candidates who are ready to move forward, as well as those who may need more time, more information or a different route.

• Support candidates to progress, pause or close, as advised by our fostering service colleagues.

• Using strengths-based and motivational approaches to help candidates reflect on their motivations, support networks and capacity.

• Working closely with social work colleagues to escalate questions, concerns or safeguarding issues appropriately.

• Supporting candidates to prepare for training, home visits and assessment stages.

• Helping ensure the process is clear, efficient and supportive.

Supporting groups, events and community activity

• Supporting information events, training sessions and candidate-facing events.

• Co-delivering sessions with social workers and other colleagues.

• Helping create a welcoming community for people exploring Weekenders.

• Supporting socials and community-building activity for applicants and approved Weekend Foster Carers.

• Helping candidates connect with the mission and feel part of something meaningful.

Administration, data and follow-up

• Keeping candidate records, notes and next steps up to date on Now Foster’s digital platform.

• Using Google Workspace, Trello and other tools to access key documents and manage your workload. 

• Making sure no candidate falls through the cracks.

• Supporting data capture so the team can understand what is working and where candidates are getting stuck.

• Helping improve templates, messages, prompts and workflows for the candidate journey.

• Supporting home visit admin and logistics where needed.

Contributing to innovation and learning

• Gathering feedback from candidates to help improve the journey and bringing this insight from candidate conversations into team discussions.

• Helping the team understand what motivates people to become Weekend Foster Carers, what worries them, and what helps them move forward.

• Supporting testing and iteration of new candidate journey approaches.

• Helping us build a process that is warm, efficient, inclusive and effective.

• Contributing to a new model of fostering that is relational, ambitious and designed around children and young people.

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You Are

• Warm and relational – able to build trust quickly and make people feel welcome.

• Emotionally mature – able to have thoughtful conversations about motivation, care, family life and uncertainty.

• A strong communicator – clear, encouraging and confident across phone, video calls, emails and written updates.

• Motivational and strengths-based – skilled at helping people see their potential while also being honest about what fostering involves.

• Organised and proactive – able to manage a busy candidate journey, track next steps and keep people moving.

• Tech-savvy – comfortable using digital platforms, Google Workspace and Trello.

• Confident in your judgement – able to decide when someone should progress, pause or close, while knowing when to seek advice.

• Safeguarding-aware – able to recognise when something needs to be escalated and comfortable working within clear safeguarding processes.

• Reflective and curious – interested in learning what works and improving the candidate journey over time.

• Comfortable with ambiguity – happy working in a small, growing charity where things are evolving.

• Committed to better outcomes for children and young people – motivated by Now Foster’s mission and the potential of Weekenders.

Experience We’re Looking For

Fostering experience would be highly beneficial. For example, this could include experience as a foster carer, working in fostering, supporting foster carers, working with fostering services, or working in a closely related part of children’s social care.

We are also interested in people with experience in:

• Volunteer management

• Children’s social care or youth work

• Community work

• Social prescribing

• Mentoring or coaching

• Recruitment, onboarding or candidate support

• Relationship-based support roles

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who understands the importance of relationships, can guide people through a meaningful decision-making process, and is excited by the possibility of building a different kind of fostering journey.

Bonus Points For

• Lived experience of the care system or fostering.

• Experience working directly with prospective or approved foster carers.

• Experience using motivational interviewing, coaching or strengths-based approaches.

• Experience supporting people through an application, recruitment, assessment or onboarding journey.

• Experience delivering or supporting information sessions, preparation groups, training or community events.

• Experience working remotely or in a flexible, fast-moving team.

An interest in innovation, service design or changing how fostering works.
 

About Us

Now Foster is a team of innovative social workers, designers, and entrepreneurs on a mission to change fostering in the UK.

We bring together social work, service design, public sector transformation and lived experience to create better outcomes for children and young people. Our overarching vision is to transform the fostering system by bringing many more wonderful people into it as foster carers, so that children and young people have the relationships, stability and support they need to thrive.

You will be joining a small, ambitious and passionate team, alongside our trustees, freelancers and advisors, all of whom play an active part in shaping our work. We partner with local authorities and not-for-profits who share our values and are ready to embrace change. As a registered charity, everything we do is driven by purpose, not profit.

About Weekenders

Weekenders is Now Foster’s flagship programme. It pairs children and young people in foster care with inspiring adults who can offer guidance, stability and encouragement on a regular basis. It is about showing up, making a difference, and being that person a young person can count on.

The programme is growing quickly. We are scaling Weekenders across London and beyond, testing new ways to support applicants, local authorities and independent social workers, and building the operational foundations needed for long-term growth.

A core part of this growth is making sure that people who are interested in becoming Weekend Foster Carers receive the right balance of warmth, encouragement, information and challenge as they move through the journey. That is where the Journey Guide comes in.

Working Pattern and Location

This role is offered at 4 to 5 days per week, with a salary of £34,000 pro rata.

The role can be based anywhere in England, with occasional travel to our Weekender delivery areas. Our Weekenders team is currently based across London and Manchester, and our wider organisational team is based in Oxford. Most work will be home-based, but there will be some in-person meetings, events, training sessions or bi-monthly co-working days.

The role will involve some work outside standard office hours. This is likely to include:

• Around one weekend day per month, which you would take back as time off during the previous or following week.

• Some evening work, for example around one information event per month.

• Some evening intro chats with prospective foster carers, where this helps people engage with the process.

We work flexibly and will support the successful candidate to manage their time in a sustainable way.

Safeguarding

Now Foster is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

This role will involve contact with prospective carers, rather than direct work with children and young people. However, you will need to understand safeguarding, work within Now Foster’s safeguarding processes, and escalate any concerns appropriately.

This role will require an enhanced DBS check.

What’s In It For You

Joining Now Foster means being part of something different. We are small, ambitious and innovative, and you will play a key role in helping Weekenders grow.

You will be close to the people exploring whether they could become Weekend Foster Carers, and your work will directly shape whether they feel supported, confident and ready to take the next step.

You will join a supportive, collaborative and values-led team. We work hard, care deeply about what we do, and are building something bold and lasting: a new way of fostering that blends social work, design, technology and relational practice.

We will provide the tools and technology you need, cover agreed travel and expenses, and support you to work flexibly within the rhythm of the programme.

How to Apply

Please send us your CV and a short cover letter explaining:

1. Why you are interested in Now Foster and the Weekenders programme.

2. The experience you would bring in supporting, guiding or motivating people.

3. Any experience you have of fostering, working in fostering, children’s social care, community work, volunteer management or similar.

4. What excites you about innovation in fostering and what fostering could look like.

5. Your availability, including whether you are looking for 4 or 5 days per week and when you could start.

You must have the right to work in the UK.

We recognise that some candidates may use generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to support the preparation of their application. While this is acceptable, applications must remain an authentic reflection of your own experiences and motivations. We ask candidates to let us know if and how they used AI as part of the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Equality

Now Foster is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities and experiences.

Recruitment and selection decisions are made on the basis of fair, objective and transparent criteria. We will also make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure accessibility for all candidates.

Please Note: We are hoping to appoint as soon as possible and will close recruitment once we find the right person so candidates are advised to submit an application as soon as they are able.