Life skills jobs

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

• advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing
• user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services
• local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback
•  innovative Personal Health Budget projects that allow people to access items and services to improve their wellbeing.

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

The post-holder will provide independent advocacy in various settings, including in the community, people’s homes, and hospital settings including mental health wards. You’ll raise awareness of advocacy, including for people from minority ethnic communities. You’ll work as part of a team of independent advocates, reporting to the Advocacy Service Manager. 

You will work as part of the Ealing advocacy team. You may also need to carry out your role in other London boroughs.

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the post holder will be required to visit CQC registered care homes and would be subject to government requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Provide advocacy for eligible people under Mental Health Act 2007, the Health and Social Care Act 2012, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and under the Care Act 2014.
• Provide a one-to-one advocacy service for people and undertake case work, evidencing and uploading case notes and data in a timely manner.
• Provide instructed and non-instructed advocacy, where appropriate.
• Provide information, support or signpost clients in order to inform or empower individuals on any issues about their treatment under the relevant legislation.
• Act as duty advocate for our Single Point of Access referral line on a rota basis.
• Meet case-working standards, monitoring system requirements and the goals for our service, making sure everyone needing advocacy is referred into the service in the right way.
• Work within the location-specific engagement protocols, security, confidentiality and safeguarding policies (in addition to the Advocacy Best Practice Handbook).
• Actively promote self-advocacy throughout all work with patients, where practical.
• Raise awareness of independent advocacy and referring pathways to eligible people and referring agencies.
• Keep your knowledge of legislation and policy up-to-date, including the mental health act, mental capacity act, care act, and local / national policy.
• Keep up to date with developments and good practice in independent advocacy (including different advocacy models).
• Develop good working relationships with key staff within health and social care services.
• Be an active member of the advocacy service, contributing to service planning and providing cover for other colleagues when needed.

General responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings and training.
• Participate in personal, team and organisational development.
• Contribute to monitoring reports.
• Keep to our policies, including health & safety, and risk regulations.
• Work to our mission, vision, and values.
• Carry out other projects and tasks as needed.

Person specification

We welcome applications from people with transferrable skills and qualities, and people with diverse employment histories and personal backgrounds.

Essential qualities and attributes:

• Understanding of the role and responsibilities of an advocate.
• Understanding of issues faced by people with mental health conditions, physical health conditions and learning disabilities.
• Ability to listen and build trust, to encourage people to express their own views and to represent clients’ self-defined interests.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal). Good at working with a wide variety of people including commissioners, service users and colleagues.
• IT literate, including working knowledge of Microsoft packages (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, to plan and prioritise your own workload.
• Willingness to promote The Advocacy Project and its services in line with our mission, vision and values.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications:

• Experience of delivering different forms of advocacy (instructed and non-instructed; IMHA, ICAA, IMCA, IHCA,) within a statutory advocacy service.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act / Mental Capacity Act / Care Act and other statutory legislation as it applies to advocacy.
• Knowledge of mental health sections and social care services, including current issues in policy and practice.
• Understanding of the Accessible Information Standard.
• Advocacy qualification.

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

The role

We are looking for a passionate, driven and creative comms professional or marketer to join our busy team. Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, who can take on projects and drive campaigns across multiple touchpoints, managing them from planning through to analysis, optimising throughout. You will be both creative and data proficient, eager to demonstrate impact.

This is a relatively new team that is shaping process and building a brand - a great opportunity to grow.

Ranked 3rd startup hub in the UK by the FT, The Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub supports talented entrepreneurs and decision makers to transform breakthrough engineering innovations into disruptive spinouts, startups and scaleups.

The aim of this role is to increase awareness of and engagement with the Enterprise Directorate’s activities, with a particular focus on the Academy’s regional Hub portfolio, which includes programme and ecosystem engagement.

You will be required to develop marketing plans and materials, tailor outreach to regional audiences, and identify and amplify stories and case studies from the Academy’s regional hubs in partnership with the wider communications and engagement directorate.

Our location

Our light, spacious head office is based in a fantastic location in central London with views over St James’s Park and close to the West End. We operate hybrid, flexible working practices with a baseline for office-based working of a mandatory weekly team day plus further days each week as required for the role and the Academy.

Who are we?

Engineering matters. It shapes our everyday lives, from our ability to turn the lights on, have a hot shower and commute into work, to the mobile phones we rely on to keep connected. It also plays a vital role in addressing some of the biggest challenges facing society today, from climate change, to global health pandemics and cyber threats.

The Royal Academy of Engineering is a charity that harnesses the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone. In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation, and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public. Together we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.

With a diverse workforce and an inclusive and supportive culture, we look to attract candidates from wide and different backgrounds who have a passion for the role engineering plays in society. Our aim is to make the Academy the best place to work for the staff we have and those we seek to attract.

Why work for us?

We’re looking for people who are driven to make the world a better place. If you’re passionate about what you do and want to work collaboratively with talented colleagues to make change happen now and for future generations, we want you to get in touch.

This is the perfect time to join us. We have a dynamic, visionary CEO, a strong leadership team and an ambitious and exciting strategy. The value we bring as experts in our field and change agents is highly recognised and makes the Academy a motivating place to be. Our work today builds on a long, proud history with a focused and ambitious future which we’d love you to be part of.

We are looking for talented people who want to make a difference, to join our team – is this you? For more information and to apply, please visit our careers page.

Closing date: 5 January 2026.

Interview date: w/c 12 January 2026.

The Academy is committed to making reasonable adjustments to remove barriers that hinder applicants from applying or staff from working effectively and comfortably.

Summary

We are seeking a highly organised, emotionally intelligent, and proactive Personal Assistant to support the Bishop of Exeter in his ministry and leadership across the Diocese. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to work closely with a senior Church of England leader, providing executive support and helping to shape the effectiveness of his work.

About the Role

The Personal Assistant will provide professional and proactive diary support to the Bishop of Exeter. To deal promptly and efficiently with the Bishop's paper-based and electronic filing and correspondence. To support the smooth running of the Bishop's office through accurate and timely administration. To be an effective and welcoming first point of contact for the Bishop.

Key Responsibilities

• Diary Management
• Correspondence and record-keeping
• Finance Management

• Take lead responsibility for the maintenance of the Palace and Gatehouse: Manage any issues arising and consult with the Managing Agent (Savills) and the Church Commissioners

• Modelling and prioritising welcome and hospitality, including providing refreshments and appropriate hosting as necessary to those meeting the Bishop or attending an event at the Palace, being prepared to take a share in the routine tasks of office life

• Promoting positive working relationships will all areas of diocesan life, including linking and developing excellent working relationships with colleagues in the diocesan office at the Old Deanery and in the Cathedral

• Working and co-ordinating closely with other Palace staff, ensuring a professional and efficient approach to work

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience of senior-level PA support, including complex diary management, or demonstrable experience of administrative leadership shown in another profession
• Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, sometimes to tight schedules
• Experience in managing and prioritising a varied workload effectively
• Confident and competent in the use of IT, with good working knowledge of MS Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and SharePoint

Key Requirements

• This is an office-based position at The Palace Gatehouse, Palace Gate, Exeter EX1 1HX. On site, city centre car-parking is provided.
• Hybrid working for a day a week will be considered

Your Salary

• A salary of £30,307 per annum and pro-rated if working part-time, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

Your Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.

Closing date for application will be 7th January 2026

Interviews will take place on 3rd February 2026 at The Palace Gatehouse, Palace Gate, Exeter EX1 1HX.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity

Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) sits at the heart of a vibrant network of philanthropists, educators, community groups, visionary businesses and local government bodies across East Anglia. With over a decade of trusted STEM engagement behind us, a dedicated expert team and a loyal network of long-term supporters, CSC is uniquely positioned to drive lasting
change in communities across the region.

This role builds on that strong foundation. You will deepen existing relationships, identify and shape new opportunities, and help secure CSC’s long-term financial sustainability through innovative, high-impact partnerships.

As the primary contact for partnership development, you will play a central role in shaping and funding our multi-year programmes, while also leading on high-value, short-term opportunities connected to our Cambridge Science Park site and outreach hubs such as Inspire Wisbech. Your work will balance immediate income generation with the cultivation of long-term strategic
relationships that advance CSC’s mission and regional impact.

Clinical Support Administrator

Salary: Band 3: £27,152.71 - £30,443.60 per annum inclusive.

Contract Type: Permanent, full-time.

Hours of work: 37.5 per week (with occasional weekends).

About the job role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Clinical Support Administrator in our First Contact Team at St Joseph’s Hospice. We are looking for someone who has experience in administration and working in a healthcare environment.

The First Contact Team is a dynamic one-stop service that transforms the way patients and referral agencies access the Hospice’s services. An opportunity has arisen for a full-time Administrator to join the First Contact Team. If you are a successful applicant, you will be part of the team that acts as the first point of contact for the Hospice’s services. You will answer telephone calls from people who may be in difficult and stressful situations, provide advice and signpost to other services or agencies. You will also undertake associated administration and data entry.

The service operates 24 hours over seven days a week for advice, whilst referrals will be taken mainly in daytime hours. You will work 37.5 hours every week. Shift patterns will vary, and you will be expected to cover shifts from Monday through Friday, 8.00 am to 9.00 pm, plus occasional weekends according to the rota.

About you

You will need:

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Substantial experience in a telephone-based call centre environment
• The ability to remain calm whilst working in a pressurised environment
• The ability to deal sensitively and empathetically with people in distress
• The ability to work constructively as part of a team
• The ability to pay close attention to detail, accurate recording and data entry skills

Where you’ll work

St Joseph’s Hospice was founded in 1905 by the Religious Sisters of Charity and built on a rich Catholic heritage. Today, we are an Investors in Diversity awarded charity, providing expert, compassionate care to people of all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs across East and North London.

Our specialist palliative care services—delivered at home, in our in-patient unit, and through out-patient clinics—are grounded in respect for human dignity and guided by compassion, justice, and a deep commitment to quality. Our values guide us in everything that we do. We work to ensure that everyone receives the support they need, with kindness, understanding, and respect by delivering individualised, responsive and holistic support to patients and their families.

Why work for us?

• 27 days holiday plus public holidays, increasing up to 33 days with service
• Subsidised café and early access to retail sale events
• Season ticket/Welfare loans
• Continuation of the NHS Pension Scheme or an excellent salary-exchange pension scheme.
• Santander cycles discount and cycle to work scheme
• Health Cash Plan and access to the EAP services

Join St Joseph’s team and find out more! 

Closing date: 21 December 2025.

Interview date: 5 January 2026.

We are an equal opportunities and a disability confident employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Salary: £34,596.75 per annum

Location: Flexible – home or office based

Contract: Fixed term contract ending December 2026

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours

Closing date: Monday the 5th of January at 11:30pm

Are you able to write clearly and accurately drawing on a range of evidence?  Could you use those skills to support our Business Development team with tenders for statutory funding, including preparation work, research, and supporting with bid writing? Then join Shelter as a Business Development Officer and you could soon find yourself playing an important role within our Business Development team

About the role

Responsible for supporting the Business Development Team to generate statutory income and achieve its income target, you will be involved in a range of activities including producing content for bids, horizon scanning and maintaining the pipeline to inform income forecasting.  In collaboration with the Business Development Manager, you will undertake research into local needs and priorities in our service areas with a view to supporting the team in influencing commissioners and driving forward systems change.

About you

To succeed, you’ll be skilled at writing clearly and accurately and drawing on a range of evidence to produce compelling content for tenders, proposals and reports. You’ll be comfortable working on your own initiative or as part of a team, and happy to share your knowledge and skills to play your part in cross-team projects when required. The ability to use Microsoft Office programmes including Word, Excel and Outlook are also a requirement for the role.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. We are committed to offering fully flexible working to help all employees maintain work-life balance. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About the team

The Business Development team (BDT) is the support function that leads, coordinates and supports Shelter business areas working to develop new and existing services to meet Shelter’s strategic goals.

The BDT team sits within the Income Generation directorate and will involve leading the development of high-quality statutory funding tenders, support growth through researching new markets and maintaining a strong pipeline of opportunities and contribute to strategic projects that embed continuous improvement.

You will collaborate with teams across Shelter including Services, High Value Partnerships and Finance, looking to enhance ways of working, building external partnerships that strengthen applications and delivery, along with influencing commissioners and funders to ensure opportunities align with Shelter’s strategic priorities.

How to apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement.

The supporting statement should include your responses to the points in the ‘About You’ section of the job description of no more than 300 words each. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviours below throughout your responses:

• We work together to achieve our shared purpose
• We learn from our experiences and are open to risk

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Harrogate, North Yorkshire

We offer hybrid working and we are committed to paying the Real Living Wage.

About Us

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.

The Benefits

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more.

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Policy and Public Affairs Manager to join our Research, Policy and Impact team.

Supporting the Head of Cancer Insight, you will continue to develop and deliver a policy and public affairs strategy, including influencing at a local, regional, and national level, with the aim of helping the charity achieve its strategy and bringing benefit to the people of Yorkshire. You will develop evidence-based policy reports and recommendations that can be used to influence a variety of audiences and project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns and events. As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will also act as a source of expertise across the organisation and externally on key policy areas and the wider policy environment.

Specifically, you will:

Influencing

· Support the further development, refinement and delivery of the charity’s influencing strategy and impact evaluation process, in line with the charity’s own strategic ambitions.

· Lead the development of insightful written materials and reports to aid influencing.

· Lead the charity’s response to regional and national consultations relevant to cancer in Yorkshire, making a robust and evidence-based case for the charity’s position.

· Oversee the continued growth of the charity’s political monitoring work and ensure the effective pursuit of every opportunity offered.

· Engage with regional and national decision makers to influence policy-making for the benefit of people in Yorkshire and beyond.

· Grow relationships with key stakeholders across Yorkshire and beyond (such as DHSC, NHSE, Integrated Care Boards, Cancer Alliances, national policy groups, and other charities, to influence change based on policy recommendations.

Policy development

· Support the continued development of the policy production and dissemination process, including the policy development pathway, internal/external dissemination and impact evaluation.

· Lead the research, production and dissemination of high quality, evidence-based cancer-related policies and the strategic development of key policy recommendations.

· Oversee regular updates of existing policies and position statements, ensuring that topical policies are updated frequently.

· Ensure external insight is built into policies and policy development, such as gaining views from the Patient and Public Involvement Community, the inclusion of external patient and public contributors and endorsements from clinical and academic experts.

· Oversee work with relevant internal teams to create key messages for a range of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring these are in line with the latest evidence and are used correctly, and provide expert commentary on media stories.

· Act as a source of expertise on the charity’s cancer-related policies and position statements, both internally and externally. Undertake media interviews as required to communicate key messages with the public.

Campaigns and Events

· Project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns, in collaboration with the Brand and Relationships team where relevant, manage relationships with third parties to support campaign delivery where required.

· Lead the outreach and delivery of influencing events, including visits to charity-funded projects and party conference activity.

· Further develop and deliver of a strategy for growing and maintaining a handraiser supporter base, to enhance public affairs campaigns activity.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will need:

· To have a degree in a relevant subject area, for example public policy, public health, scientific, medical etc.

· To have substantial experience of writing influencing materials such as briefings, letters, blogs, campaign materials.

· To have substantial experience supporting the implementation of high impact campaigns that engage the public and are designed to influence. Experience of working on campaigns that encourage behaviour change.

· To have experience of evaluating campaigns, and assessing the impact of policy and public affairs activities.

· To have excellent Public Affairs experience including understanding of local, regional and national government, the current health policy landscape as well as knowledge of UK parliamentary processes along with a proven track-record of engaging politically to make change happen.

· To have substantial experience of developing evidence-based policies for a health focused organisation.

· To have substantial experience of communicating health policy positions to a variety of audiences including for influencing purposes.

· To have a good understanding of the health care system in England.

· To be a strategic thinker with strong analytical, judgement and decision-making skills.

· To be able to sift out the essential elements from a mass of complex information, integrate and synthesise ideas, and present information to others in an accessible way.

· To be a pro-active and creative approach to policy work with an ability to identify and use external opportunities and a desire to succeed.

· To have excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills with the ability to interpret complex information and communicate this to a range of audiences so it is clear and accessible.

· To have excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise work, handle conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines with exceptional levels of accuracy maintained.

· To have strong management and leadership skills, with the ability to coach team members to encourage continued development and learning.

· To have strong networking, influencing and relationship management skills, with the ability to inspire and influence others, as well as the confidence and personal authority to work with external organisations.

Application

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People,before 15 December 2025. Please read our privacy notice before applying.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer.  We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application please contact us via our website. 

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for an Advocate to join our team over in Shetland. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join and shape this service covering Shetland Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance. 

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them under Scottish legislation.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Benefits 

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service 

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution 

Salary sacrifices pension scheme 

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary) 

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc 

24/7 Employee Assistance programme 

Access to remote counselling service 

Paid Disability Leave 

Paid compassionate Leave 

Home Working Allowance  

Support with continuous professional development 

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development  

Personal Development Plans 

How are staff supported to work remotely? 

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. 

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).  

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 17th December 2025 however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Are you passionate about children’s literacy? Do you want to use your skills and experience to enable opportunity for children living with little or no access to books and reading? Can you help create a home environment where reading for pleasure is part of the fabric of family life? If so, read on - we may have just the job for you here at Doorstep Library!

We are looking for a Reading Project Leader, to deliver some of our reading projects in London, in the community and online, on a part-time, term-time only basis. You will lead a team of volunteers on three projects per week, being present at a community base/online while your volunteer team visits local families and reads with children. You will also have the opportunity to read with families yourself.

You will be a resourceful, confident decision maker able to operate independently to support your team and be able to engage with our community partners and beneficiaries.

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with key stakeholders
• Has experience of supporting the wellbeing of caring professionals, ideally with those in Christian ministry
• Is familiar with the Anglican diocesan structures and culture
• Is a strategic thinker with experience in partnership development
• Shares our vision to see flouishing clergy

This newly created role within St Luke's is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Smith Foundation to develop our wellbeing programmes over the next three years. The Associate Director will engage with dioceses and individual clergy as they explore and embed our wellbeing programmes. 

The post holder will represent St Luke's and our Christian ethos within senior diocesan teams and help shape and deliver our strategic vision for flourishing clergy. This role will support the advancing clergy reflection programme and support dioceses, other networks and communities and Theological Educational Institutions in establishing wellbeing practices.

The role is home based with travel around the UK as required. There will be a requirement to be in London at least once a month for team meetings. 

This role carries an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practicing Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. The role involves representing and upholding the Christian ethos of St Luke’s in both internal leadership and external engagement.

Please note the closing date is 5th January 2026 (as per job pack and St Luke's website)

Please see job pack for more information.

Join Us in Making a Real Difference

About YMCA St Paul’s Group

YMCA St Paul’s Group is one of London’s longest-standing charities, dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities for over 150 years. Through transformative youth programmes, inclusive health and wellbeing centres, and vital supported accommodation, we work to ensure that people—especially young people—have the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.

Our mission is rooted in long-term transformation of mind, body, and spirit, and we remain committed to building vibrant, supportive, and resilient communities across London.

About the Role

As a Housing and Support Assistant (Nights), you’ll play a pivotal frontline role in ensuring our accommodation remains a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. You’ll be a steady presence throughout the night—providing guidance, reassurance, and practical assistance for residents and visitors alike.

Whether you’re responding to queries, managing reception tasks, ensuring safety protocols are upheld, or offering a compassionate ear during challenging moments, you will be a vital part of creating a positive and secure atmosphere for those who call YMCA home.

This is a role with real variety and real impact—perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about helping others.

Working 4 nights on and 4 nights off (8pm-8am).

Key Responsibilities

Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

You will be the warm, reassuring presence residents and visitors meet first. Your confidence and professionalism will create a positive experience and set the standard for the quality of service YMCA is known for.

A Varied, Engaging Role

No two nights will be the same. Alongside reception duties—such as answering calls, processing payments, handling repairs, and managing post—you’ll take on a broad range of responsibilities that keep the building running smoothly.

Champion Safety and Security

As the on-site first aider and fire marshal, you’ll protect the wellbeing of our residents and staff. From conducting regular patrols to responding swiftly in emergencies, you’ll help maintain a safe and calm environment throughout the night.

A Welcoming and Compassionate Presence

You’ll often be the first to welcome new residents, address concerns, support those facing challenges, and record or escalate any issues such as anti-social behaviour or safeguarding concerns. Your empathy and professionalism will help residents feel heard, valued, and supported.

Be Part of a Supportive Team

You’ll join a dedicated and knowledgeable team of housing professionals who share your commitment to improving lives. Your role will be meaningful, varied, and rewarding—offering plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and make a real difference.

What You’ll Gain

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we celebrate diversity, individuality, and community. Your voice matters here—and you’ll have opportunities to help shape positive change through our Employee Resource Groups and inclusive culture.

We’re committed to your growth. With access to robust training, qualifications, and hands-on experience, you’ll be supported in developing your career, expanding your expertise, and achieving your goals.

Benefits for Mind, Body, and Spirit include:

• Free gym access across all YMCA SPG sites

• Discounts at major retailers and supermarkets

• Free wellbeing and counselling services

• The flexibility to work across various outer London locations

• Career development programmes to support your journey

• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity pay

• Life Assurance

Purpose

We are looking for a proactive and organised individual ensuring that all of Ella’s premises,  including the office, community hub, and safe houses,  are safe, compliant, well-maintained, and a welcoming environment for staff and service users. This role combines practical facilities work with proactive oversight of supplier management and property maintenance systems.

You will play a key role in maintaining the smooth daily running of our operations, managing contractors and compliance records, and supporting Ella's growth and improvement in facilities management.

Facilities management

• Oversee the maintenance and smooth operation of Ella’s office, community hub, and supported accommodation.

• Manage supplier and contractor relationships, including procurement, tendering, and ongoing performance monitoring.

• Coordinate and oversee maintenance, repairs, and refurbishments across all properties, ensuring work is completed safely and to a high standard.

• Maintain clear records of repairs, inspections, and contracts in the central facilities log.

• Ensure the office and community hub are fully equipped, stocked, and operational, maintaining an organised and professional environment.

• Ensure accurate stock records are maintained and inventories are completed across all sites.

Property inspections and maintenance

• Conduct regular inspections of all Ella’s properties to identify and address maintenance and safety issues.

• Manage the safehouse repairs and maintenance log, ensuring timely responses and communication with caseworkers and residents.

• Carry out minor maintenance and repairs directly where appropriate (e.g. light bulbs, fixtures, storage organisation).

• Liaise with landlords and external providers on significant property issues, ensuring clear communication and accountability.
   

Health, safety, and compliance

• Act as the main point of contact for health and safety matters in the Operations Manager’s absence. 

• Ensure that all properties comply with statutory safety and maintenance requirements, including fire safety, gas, and electrical checks.

• Support in maintaining and updating compliance documentation, certificates, and maintenance schedules.

• Conduct regular health and safety audits and risk assessments, escalating issues to the Operations Manager as needed.

• Lead or support fire drills, first aid provision, and emergency preparedness planning.
   

Systems and administration

• Develop and maintain efficient systems for facilities management, including logs, checklists, and compliance trackers.

• Support the Operations Manager in reviewing policies and procedures related to facilities, health and safety, and risk management.

• Coordinate staff communications about ongoing facilities work or planned maintenance.

• Oversee inventory management, purchasing, and deliveries for office and property supplies.
   

Team and organisational support

• Contribute to creating a trauma-informed, safe, and welcoming environment across all Ella’s spaces.

• Support the smooth running of events or community activities at the hub, ensuring facilities are ready and accessible.

• Build strong working relationships with staff, residents, and suppliers to ensure responsive and effective facilities support.

Person specification

Essential

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

• Keen eye for detail 

• Ability to put effective processes and procedures in place 

• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and work independently.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Basic understanding of health and safety requirements.

• Comfortable liaising with contractors and overseeing on-site work.

• Willingness to travel locally between Ella’s office and safe homes.

• A proactive and practical approach to problem-solving.

Desirable

• Experience in facilities or property management.

• Experience working with suppliers and contractors. 

• Familiarity with trauma-informed environments or working in the charity sector.

• Basic maintenance skills (e.g., DIY tasks).

More about Ella’s 

Ella’s is a London-based organisation working with women who have survived trafficking and sexual exploitation. Our mission is to do everything we can to ensure survivors have all they need to recover and build lives that are safe and free. 

Here is a summary of our main activities:

• We run six safe houses. This supported accommodation is crucial for survivors, until they are ready and able to live independently. 

• We provide regular support for women and families in neighbourhoods across London, and many more further afield when they need us. 

• We speak out on issues affecting the women we work with. We care deeply about survivors of trafficking and exploitation and want to see a world where these crimes are not tolerated. 

Ella’s is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, as we believe having a diverse team adds value and positively impacts our service. We actively encourage applicants from BAME backgrounds, LGBTQ+ applicants and those with disabilities. We are committed to equality and diversity within our organisation.

Ella’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake disclosure checks. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants. 

Are you someone who is excited about charity retail, fashion, who can use their initiative? Do you have experience managing a retail team? Yes, then please keep reading as we may have the role for you. 

We are excited to be looking for an Assistant Shop Manager to work in our Clifton Notts (NG11) Shop for 30 hours per week.

We are looking for a passionate and motivated person to help our store reach full potential.

As an Assistant Shop Manager you will: 

• Help develop in store systems and promote donations and sales to maximise profits 
• Be representing Mencap as an efficient and charitable organisation by ensuring that your actions reinforce the Mencap aims and values 
• Strive to ensure stock is generated from the local area and donors 
• Sign up donors to the Gift Aid scheme and ensure maximum income is achieved through Gift Aid 
• Be responsible for achieving profit targets by ensuring sales are maximised and the cost are effectively managed 
• Maintain the store to a high standard of presentation throughout. 
• Build an effective volunteer team and provide training, development, work reviews and appraisals to paid staff and volunteers 
• Be responsible for all financial and cash handling and health and safety. 

To be a successful Assistant Shop Manager, you will be: 

• An experienced assistant manager or Supervisor  with the ability to maintain budgets and complete weekly income and banking sheets accurately, preferably with previous charity retail experience. 
• Have a flexible approach to working hours and days including working weekend and Bank Holidays as appropriate. 
• Willing to travel to occasional team meetings, training events and in the initial growth of the new retail train assisting with setting up other new stores. 
• Passionate about the Mencap values and will strive to ensure our Retail brand is successful.   

We are an equitable, diverse and inclusive organisation and we particularly welcome and encourage disabled applicants and those from the Black and Asian communities to apply for the role as they are under-represented within the workforce.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applicants with disabilities to apply for all roles with us. To find out more about the scheme please visit the direct gov website.  

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

• Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
• Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
• Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

If you share our vision that ‘every young person should be supported to gain the confidence, independence and skills they need for a better and brighter future’ we might have the perfect role for you!

ThinkForward is recruiting a Community Coach based in Ashford and the surrounding Kent community to deliver our unique programme supporting young people into further education and employment. If you are….

· Passionate about, and have experience in, supporting young people to make amazing decisions about their futures

· Committed to equity, diversity, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice

· Persistent, empathic and agile in your style of work and able to apply a coaching approach to the delivery of our programme

· Able to tell the stories of our work through data

· Confident in running one-to-one and group work sessions

· Knowledgeable of employability practices and the importance of tailored progression planning for young people

…then please click on the attached job pack for our role description and information pack for more details about ThinkForward and the role you could play, then apply via CharityJob with your CV and cover letter.

Applicants should be aware that this position will require access to a personal vehicle.

We look forward to hearing from you.