Learning and behaviour specialist jobs in Newcastle
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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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Training Trainer supports the Training Manager in the design and delivery of specialist, evidence-informed trainings programmes for professionals supporting bereaved children, young people and parents across health, social care, community, voluntary and private sectors.
Using trauma-informed, evidence-based content delivered through both digital platforms and in-person, the role ensures professionals have practical tools to identify, respond to, support and/or refer bereaved children, young people and parents.
Main Responsibilities
- Working collaboratively with the Training Manager, external facilitators and the team’s administrator to co-ordinate training requests responses.
- Working with the Training Manager and colleagues, support the design of training programmes tailored to the needs of the training delegates.
- Deliver the organisation’s professional training packages online and/or face-to-face as required.
- Work with the team to ensure efficient flow of processes and procedures.
- Research key areas in need of bereavement training packages.
- Be an ambassador for the need for bereavement continued professional development and training across all health, social care, community, voluntary and private sector professions.
- To form key relationships with individuals and organisations to promote off-the-shelf training as well as bespoke trainings.
- To work with the team to develop new training programmes and content.
- Work with the Marketing and Communications Team to promote training programmes.
- Collaborate with the team to develop and review feedback framework to evaluate the training.
- Use feedback to improve the current training offer and identify gaps.
Communication and Relationships
- Build and maintain effective relationships with health, social care, community, voluntary and private sector professionals across the UK.
- Act as an ambassador for key training programmes, promoting values of empathy, inclusion and best practice in bereavement support.
- Collaborate closely with the Training Manager, colleagues and the Training Administrator to co-ordinate training requests and ensure a seamless client experience.
- Engage with internal teams, including Marketing and Communications, to publicise training offers and strengthen audience reach.
- Work proactively to establish and nurture key relationships with external networks, commissioners, and organisations to increase awareness and uptake of training programmes.
- Communicate sensitively and confidently when delivery content that may evoke emotional responses, ensuring a safe and supportive training environment.
- Demonstrate and promote the organisation’s values and culture through all forms of communication, behaviours and professional relationships.
Knowledge, Training and Experience
- Strong presentation, facilitation and communication skills, adaptable to a variety of audiences.
- Contribute to the creation of bespoke training programmes or training sessions as well as to the development of new training packages.
- Develop and adapt training content for both in-person and digital delivery using a variety of digital platforms.
- Demonstrate a robust understanding of grief, loss, trauma, child development, and the psychological and social impact of bereavement on children, young people, and adults, including families.
- Demonstrate a high level of understanding of the organisation’s evidence-based tiered service model.
- Participate, and where appropriate, lead on training consultations to formulate an assessment of training needs.
- Use outcome measures and/or feedback tools to monitor progress, evaluate the impact of delivery, and reflect on own practice.
- Adhere to legislation and statutory guidance related to Safeguarding Children and Young People and Safeguarding Adults at all times.
- Participate actively in clinical supervision and reflective practice to ensure safe, ethical, and effective delivery.
- Contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the team by supporting training, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities.
Analytical and Judgement Skills
- Assess training needs through consultation, feedback and sector research to inform targeted content development with the support of the Training Manager.
- Evaluate participants’ feedback systematically to review the quality, relevance and impact of training’ identify areas for improvement and gaps in provision.
- Exercise sound judgement when responding to sensitive disclosures or emotionally charged discussions during training, ensuring appropriate support and signposting.
- Apply analytical thinking to review emerging issues in bereavement, end of life, palliative care, mental health and wellbeing, to guide future training design.
- Recognise and manage situations that involve ambiguity, uncertainty, or emotional intensity, drawing on supervision and established frameworks for professional support.
- Apply a trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate lens to training development and delivery, ensuring sensitivity to cultural, social, and contextual factors influencing grief.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful data recording and reporting to inform service evaluation, and organisational performance monitoring.
Planning and organisational skills
- Prepare thoroughly for assigned training sessions, ensuring all materials, technology and resources are ready in advance.
- Deliver training sessions to time and quality standards, managing transitions between content, activities and Q&A smoothly.
- Deliver a suite of training packages online and/or face-to-face as required, adapting content to meet specific delegate needs as needed.
- Contribute to the design and maintenance of robust systems and workflows that support the smooth flow of processes from enquiry to evaluation.
- Research new areas of bereavement training need and contribute ideas for the development of new programmes and resources.
- Collaborate with colleagues to maintain and refine the evaluation and feedback framework, drawing on insights to drive continuous improvement and suggesting improvements to the training offer.
- Manage time effectively across multiple projects and priorities, working flexibly to delivery high quality outcomes within deadlines.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation in accordance with confidentiality, data protection, and statutory requirements.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and reflective capacity, using supervision and peer support to sustain personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness.
- Provide cover and support for team members when needed.
Qualifications & Training
Essential
· Relevant professional qualification in working in education, training or learning
· Evidence of ongoing professional development and commitment to continuous learning
· Training in bereavement, grief and trauma informed practice
Experience
Essential
· At least three years’ recent experience (in the past six years) of delivering training to professionals
· Experience of facilitating group work
· Experience of planning and designing training programmes
· Experience of liaising with and working alongside organisations that support children, young people and/or adults
· Experience of working with vulnerable communities
· Experience of delivering training using a digital platform
· Demonstrable experience of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and an ability to practise in a way that promotes this
· Experience of working collaboratively with multi-agency professionals
Desirable
· Experience of working within a bereavement, palliative care of mental health setting
· Experienced in using outcome measures to evaluate practice
Person Specification
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of bereavement, grief, loss, trauma, and their psychological and developmental impact on children, young people, parents and families
- Knowledge of current research, theories, national frameworks, and NICE guidance related to bereavement and children’s mental health
- Empathetic, compassionate approach
- Proven ability to design, deliver and adapt bereavement training effectively through digital platforms, maintaining engagement, safety and impact
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with stakeholders while maintaining professional boundaries at all times
- Consulting mindset with the ability to quickly assimilate information and to translate this into potential solutions and ways of working
- Awareness of safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures
- Understanding of information governance, confidentiality, and data protection requirements
- Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion within practice
- Emotional maturity, stability and resilience with a strong commitment to self-care and the ability to seek support and guidance when difficulties arise in the course of work
Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.
- TOIL for our hours work.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Company sick pay.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Life assurance.
- Training loans.
- Enhanced family friendly policies.
Recruitment Timetable
Application deadline: 16th June 2026 at midnight
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.
For further details on the interview process, please refer to our recruitment pack.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and highly organised individual with either registered healthcare status or an experienced commissioner of healthcare services and a passion for supporting people with long-term health conditions like ME.
As Clinical Lead, you will play a pivotal role in the delivery and development of our Healthcare Services. As our CQC Registered Manager, you will play a critical role in supporting the team and assuring effective and safe services for people with ME of all ages and their families.
Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will also play a pivotal role in developing our services, drive performance and optimise processes, and enhance service delivery to take action with impact to better support individuals living with ME.
Job Purpose
Working closely with the Director of Operations, the Clinical Lead will play a pivotal role in leading and developing Action for ME’s clinical Healthcare Services, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care for individuals affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The postholder will be responsible for clinical oversight, service development, and leadership, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance outcomes for children and adults with ME and will be the CQC Registered Manager for the service.
At present, Healthcare Services is a small team with two physiotherapists and one doctor (specialist GP), with plans to recruit more.
We are keen to develop and expand our services, building on the small amount of spot purchasing from local commissioning boards and exploring a diagnosing and prescribing offer. We are also keen to explore the potential of increasing the range of disciplines offered within the team. You will play a key role in contributing to, and delivering, the strategy for our Healthcare Services.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide clinical support and expertise to Action for ME's Healthcare Services, ensuring evidence-based, person-centred care.
- Act as Registered Manager for CQC (Care Quality Commission) purposes and ensure that the service meets all required standards.
- Lead the development and implementation of clinical policies, protocols, and best practices in line with national guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- Supervise and support healthcare professionals within the service, offering guidance, mentorship, and training.
- Collaborate with external stakeholders, including NHS services, researchers, and others, to enhance healthcare provision for people with ME.
- Ensure the service complies with regulatory and safeguarding standards, including CQC requirements where applicable.
- Monitor and evaluate service delivery, using data-driven insights to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience.
- Provide expert advice on complex cases, supporting the team with clinical decision-making.
- Designated Safeguarding Officer for Healthcare Services.
- Represent Action for ME at external forums, conferences, and policy discussions.
Person specification
All criteria noted below are essential requirements of the role.
Qualifications
- A registered healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist) with active professional registration (GMC, NMC, HCPC or equivalent) OR an experienced commissioner of healthcare services with experience of quality assurance, safeguarding and compliance.
Experience and Knowledge
- Extensive clinical experience in chronic illness management OR sound understanding of clinical practice, ideally with expertise in ME or related conditions and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by people with ME.
- An understanding of Care Quality Commission regulatory requirements.
- Proven leadership experience in a healthcare setting, including team management and service development.
- Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and clinical governance.
- A sound understanding and experience of safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults.
- Experience in training and mentoring healthcare professionals.
- Knowledge of NHS structures and commissioning processes.
- An understanding of working within the third sector or charitable organisations.
Skills and Behaviours
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and the ability to quickly learn relevant bespoke software systems.
Attitudes
- Commitment to patient-centred care and advocacy for people with ME.
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
