Lived experience jobs
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Working Well Trust is a mental health and employment charity in London. All of our projects share the aim of improving the lives of people with mental health support needs, learning disabilities and/or complex issues through training and employment.
We are recruiting Employment Advisors to join our IPS service, you will be based in Enfield, working 35 hours per week. The service has been awarded the IPS Grow quality mark and adheres closely to the principles of the IPS model in supporting people in to employment. This role will be working with clients who have mental health support needs, wanting to gain paid employment.
Experience of employment support is not essential, it is more important that you share our passion and commitment to employment as an integral aspect of wellbeing and supporting people to find the right job for them. You will receive training on the IPS model and in supporting people with mental health issues. We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health, either personally or through a close contact.
You need to have a desire to support people to achieve their employment goals, and the ability to multitask and manage your workload effectively. Good organisation skills are essential for this role, in addition to an interest in mental health, and the role it plays in the workplace. The successful candidate will need to become comfortable in approaching employers, and showcase the advantages of our service in order to work with them to recruit our clients to fill vacancies and sustain employment.
You will work with clients (managing a caseload) who have mental health support needs, to assist them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. You will deliver the IPS approach (for which training will be given); providing person centred support and guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.
You will work as part of a mental health team (NHS Trust) maintaining positive and integrated relationships, fostering a holistic approach to recovery through employment. You will work closely with clinical teams, providing a coordinated approach that always remains client led. You will also be working to targets whilst maintaining a high-quality service.
If you would like to discuss this role please see the Job Description for contact details.
Please click apply to send your CV after answering the screening questions.
Staff benefits include an employer contribution to a personal or workplace pension equivalent to 6% of gross salary. 30 days annual leave plus paid public holidays (FTE).
Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities and Confident about Disabilities.
Closing date: Monday 18th August (09:00). Please note, we will be actively interviewing during this time and may close the vacancy early.
Telephone interviews: w/c 18th August
Final Stage interviews: TBC
Please upload your CV and answer the screening questions, the cover letter is an optional addition. Please make sure you have highlighted in your application how you meet the person specification for this position.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lead Communications for Change: Put Drug Policy Reform and Social Justice at the Centre of Public Conversation.
Are you a strategic communicator passionate about social justice? Do you want your work to challenge stigma, shift narratives, and support systemic change? Release, the UK’s centre of expertise on drugs and drug law, is looking for a bold and creative Communications Lead to help shape public discourse and amplify the voices of those most affected by harmful drug policies.
This is a high-impact role at the heart of our mission. You’ll lead the development and delivery of Release’s communications strategy, manage our international online platform TalkingDrugs, and work across teams to ensure our voice is consistent, compelling, and widely heard—from social media and news outlets to international conferences and coalitions.
We welcome applicants with lived experience and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you’re passionate about social justice, thrive in fast-paced, people-centred environments, and want to be part of an organisation that offers real hope, we’d love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We invite applications for the Debt Adviser post from individuals who share our commitment to supporting the legal and human rights of people whose lives are affected by substance dependency and drug policy.
As a member of our dynamic legal team, based in London, your responsibilities will include: Providing specialist debt advice to clients, including those facing complex financial and legal challenges. The role is embedded in our legal team and will work collaboratively by taking internal referrals from our outreach services and harm reduction hub to provide holistic support. Conducting drop-in sessions, outreach visits, and one-to-one appointments to meet clients where they are — emotionally and geographically. Negotiating with creditors and advocating for sustainable, client-centred solutions. Supporting clients to understand their rights, navigate the benefits system, and access wider support services. Maintaining accurate case records and contributing to service development through feedback and insight.
We welcome applicants with lived experience and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you’re passionate about social justice, thrive in fast-paced, people-centred environments, and want to be part of an organisation that offers real hope, we’d love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Programme Coordinator
Contract: 0.6 FTE (3 days a week, 22.5 hours). Fixed term contract terminating August 2027
Reporting To: Programme Manager
Department: Income and Partnerships Team
Location: Homeworking (with occasional travel for team days or programme events)
Salary: £23,861 pro rata
Start date: September/October (ASAP)
This role is central to the smooth running of our new regional programme. As Programme Coordinator, you’ll work closely with the Programme Manager to support delivery, coordination, communication/engagement and administration.
You’ll be involved in everything from troubleshooting and responding to enquiries from schools, to preparing materials for stakeholders, updating delivery and engagement records on our CRM database, and helping gather data on programme impact. You’ll also support the development of case studies and feedback that help us communicate the difference the programme is making.
This is a varied and rewarding role that would suit someone who is:
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Proactive and detail-focused
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A natural organiser and problem solver, with good people skills
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Excited by the opportunity to support a high-impact programme from the inside out
What you’ll be doing:
Programme coordination & admin support
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Provide day-to-day administrative support for the programme, as directed by the Programme Manager
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Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of programme activities, delivery and engagement
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Ensure programme data is entered and managed effectively using our CRM (Salesforce)
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Support the coordination of services, training and communications with schools
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Assist with monitoring and evaluation by gathering and organising feedback, data and impact stories
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Help build inspiring case studies that reflect the programme’s progress and success
Customer service & stakeholder engagement
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Be the first point of contact for schools and partners, answering queries by phone, email and helpdesk
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Ensure a high standard of customer service across all channels, following up promptly where needed
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Develop and maintain positive relationships with schools, local authorities and colleagues
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Help prepare programme materials for internal use and for external stakeholders
Team support & collaboration
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Contribute to internal meetings and planning processes as required
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Support projects and tasks as delegated by the Programme Manager and Head of Department
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Work flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues across the charity
Download our recruitment pack to view the full job description and person specification.
Championing Representation and Equity
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are under-represented in our sector, including people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic groups, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
If you're excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply. Your lived experience and perspective are valuable, and we’re committed to supporting all team members to grow and succeed.
Our offer to you:
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Remote-first working culture (with in-person team days and occasional programme events)
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25 days annual leave + bank holidays + office closure between Christmas and New Year
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5% employer pension contribution
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Optional Medicash health plan
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Annual £300 learning and development budget
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A values-driven culture and the chance to create lasting change for children and young people
How to apply:
Applicants are asked to provide a current CV and 2-page covering letter outlining evidence demonstrating your professional alignment with the person specification and job description, clearly identifying the skills and experiences applicable to the role.
Please see recruitment pack for details of where to send your application.
Application deadline: 11.30pm, Sunday 17th August
Recruitment process
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to complete a task in advance of a single stage virtual interview, w/c 2nd September.
Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Be the voice that amplifies others. Help shape change that saves lives.
At Samaritans, we are committed to ensuring that the voices of people with lived experience of suicide, self-harm, and bereavement by suicide are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that lasting change is only possible when it is shaped by those who’ve experienced these challenges first-hand.
We’re now looking for a passionate and experienced Lived Experience Lead to join our Performance and Insight team. In this influential role, you’ll be responsible for driving forward our Lived Experience Plan, ensuring people with lived experience are meaningfully involved in the views and voices of people with lived experience shape and inform key strategic organisational decisions on our services, policy influencing and campaigning work.
Full outline of the role available in the Job description file here.
Contract terms:
• Initially an 18 month fixed term contract
• £45,000 per annum with benefits
• Full time (35 hours per week) - we are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid working: Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office, with home working and an option to work from a shared office space in London Bridge.
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. As part of the Performance and Insights team, you will join three in-person retreats per quarter. Participation to other in-person meetings will depend on need.
About the role
You’ll work with teams across Samaritans to embed lived experience insight into strategic decision-making, ensuring our work remains compassionate, inclusive and reflective of the people we support. You’ll co-create training and support for staff, facilitate national and nation-based advisory groups, and develop best practice for involvement that champions equity, diversity, and inclusion.
This is a unique opportunity to lead change from within, to support and empower others, challenge systems, and make sure our work truly represents the communities we serve.
What you’ll bring
We’re looking for someone with:
- Lived experience of mental distress, suicidal thoughts or behaviour, or bereavement by suicide – and the ability to draw on that experience in a safe and sensitive way.
- A track record of empowering people with lived experience and using co-production and inclusion practices.
- Experience of designing and delivering learning and development opportunities relevant to lived experience involvement
- Excellent influencing and interpersonal skills – able to build trust, collaborate with staff and volunteers, and champion meaningful involvement at all levels of the organisation.
- Strong commitment to EDI
Why Samaritans?
You’ll be joining us at an exciting time of transformation. With a clear strategic commitment and strong support from our leadership, you’ll have the scope to shape how lived experience is embedded in everything we do - now and in the future.
We value lived experience and actively encourage applications from individuals who identify as having direct or indirect experience with mental health, suicide, or bereavement. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in the charity sector.
You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.
For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this.
We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, racialised minority candidates and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.
Criminal record check (DBS)
We take safeguarding seriously at Samaritans and follow safe recruitment practices. As this role has direct contact with children and adults at risk, this role will require an Enhanced DBS check with Adults and Children’s Barred Lists.
At offer stage, as part of the conditional job offer, we will require the candidate to disclose in full, spent and unspent convictions by completing a declaration form. The declaration form will only be seen by those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process.
Ready to help shape a more inclusive future where every voice matters?
Apply now and be part of change that saves lives.
To apply, please complete the application questions including those below and submit your CV:
- Please give us an example of a time when you have you used your personal experiences to inform a service or a project of work safely and effectively. What did you do and what was the result? (250 words)
- Please give an example of a time when you empowered people with lived experience to shape a project or initiative. What approaches did you take to ensure meaningful involvement and what was the outcome? (250 words)
- A key focus of the Lived Experience Lead will be to build staff skills and confidence in involving people with lived experience in their work. What experience do you have around designing and delivering learning and development activities related to involving people with lived experience? (250 words)
We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.
Applications close: Sunday 17 August
Interviews: week commencing 29 August
Please note, shortlisted candidates will be invited to prepare a short presentation that they will talk though during the interview (up to 10mins). They will be sent the questions ahead of the interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about people with lived experience of the justice system being at the forefront of its ongoing design and improvement? Do you want to play a pivotal role in successfully promoting and raising funds for our charity that puts lived experience front and centre of its leadership, operations and influencing work?
User Voice is a pioneering charity that works with people with convictions to support and develop their confidence, skills and mindsets. They then deliver our programmes to many more people who are impacted by the criminal justice system.
80% of our staff have convictions, meaning we’ve been there – in court, in prison, or on probation – we own our own pasts, so we understand the challenges first hand and use our own lived expertise to inform everything we do.
This exciting role will involve coordinating communications to promote our work and engage stakeholders, and assisting in the development and implementation of plans to secure financial support for the charity, by aligning fundraising and communication strategies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new senior role within our organisation. The Interim Head of Research and Campaigns will lead our Research function and advocacy efforts, ensuring that evidence-based insights drive our campaigns, policy work, and public engagement.
Recently kicking off our new ‘Creating Positive Change Together’ strategy, coproduced by over 130 staff, volunteers, clients and partners, Groundswell has ambitious plans around influencing more change and amplifying voices to promote healthier lives and a better future for anyone who has experienced homelessness. This role directly aligns with these strategic plans, to refine and use innovative participatory research centring lived experience, share and amplify insight from people with experience of homelessness, and increase our campaigning activities to change systems and break down the barriers that stand in people’s way to a healthier life and more hopeful future.
This role has been created on an interim basis to assess its impact and effectiveness, with a key focus on reviewing the priorities, progression and support of our Research Team and making recommendations for the future regarding this new role. The role will sit within the wider Participation, Progression and Creating Change team.
We anticipate that some form of Head of Research & Campaigning role will continue beyond this 12-month period, and this interim position will very much shape and inform that longer term role.
Join The Hepatitis C Trust – Make a Difference in Liver Health
The Hepatitis C Trust works nationally with peers who use their lived experience to raise awareness, provide training, and improve access to hepatitis C testing and treatment.
In partnership with the Royal Berkshire & Thames Valley ODN, we’re expanding our work to include a Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) surveillance and early liver disease detection programme in Royal Berkshire & Thames Valley.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience in health services or working with volunteers.
- Has been affected by or supported someone with liver disease.
- Can work independently, engage with stakeholders, and drive community outreach.
In this role, you will:
- Promote liver screening and early detection in the community.
- Support patients through assessment and ongoing care.
- Coordinate workshops and raise awareness.
- Collaborate with local hospitals and outreach clinics.
Requirements:
- Full driving licence and own vehicle.
- Willingness to travel across the region.
- Passion for patient-led care.
The Hepatitis C Trust is a charity dedicated to eliminating hepatitis C in the UK by 2030.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Summary
Are you passionate about supporting refugees, and want to use your skills to make a difference to their lives? We are looking for a Resettlement Manager, to lead our small but committed group of caseworkers who support refugees to settle in the area and help them to rebuild their lives. .
Our new Resettlement Manager will oversee our delivery of the Home Office’s resettlement schemes, which we manage in partnership with Nottingham City and County Councils.
In this busy and varied role you will be responsible for ensuring the Resettlement Scheme is meeting its service delivery targets. You will lead and develop the team to make sure clients receive accurate information and appropriate support. You will liaise with external partners such as Nottingham City Council regarding all aspects of service delivery, and will be expected to attend relevant interagency meetings and conferences to influence positive change.
This role will involve line-management responsibilities, and you will be required to provide some casework cover during staff absences. You will also be a member of our management team, and as such will play a key role in helping to develop Nottingham Refugee Forum’s strategic aims and service delivery.
We're looking for someone with:-
- Minimum of two year’s recent experience of managing a team
- Minimum one year’s recent experience of providing advice and support in a paid or voluntary capacity to vulnerable people
- Experience of liaising and negotiating with partners and external agencies
- Experience of keeping work records and writing reports
- Excellent organisational skills
(Please see our Job Description and Person Specification for full information about the job, and a list of the essential and desirable criteria)
How to apply
To be considered for this role please submit your CV, together with a cover letter. Your cover letter should be no longer than 2 sides of A4, and show how your skills and experience meet each of the criteria listed on the Person Specification. Please use examples.
Deadline for applications: 23:59 Sunday 17 August 2025
Interviews to be held: w/c 25 August 2025
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.
We are committed to equality and strongly values diversity. We welcome applicants from people with lived experience of the asylum system.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The Childhood Trust is London's child poverty charity. We are dedicated to creating opportunities and brighter futures for the 700,000 children growing up in poverty in London. While we work to alleviate today’s impact of poverty, we support children and families to build pathways to become happier, healthier, safer and more resilient, breaking the cycles of inequity. Listening to and engaging with young people who have experience of living in poverty, is critical to ensuring our efforts truly reflect their needs and aspirations.
As a grant-making charity, we award funding to charities actively supporting children in poverty across the capital. This funding is made possible thanks to the partnerships we build with corporate organisations, other trusts and foundations, philanthropic individuals and families, and public donations.
Volunteers are a vital part of The Childhood Trust’s work. Through our Transforming Spaces programme, they deliver direct support to children affected by poverty and the communities that support them across London. They also have the potential to grow our internal capacity so that we can reach our ambitious vision to scale our work and ensure that every child in London is well prepared for life.
As The Childhood Trust’s Volunteer Manager, you’ll be responsible for volunteers across the organisation.
Your role will include oversight of the corporate and community volunteers who take part in our Transforming Spaces programme. You will work closely with colleagues in the fundraising team to create a positive and inspiring experience for corporate volunteers.
Key to this role will be working with the Head of Volunteering and Community Programmes to embed volunteering across The Childhood Trust. You will lead on developing a diverse and inclusive volunteer base of skilled and specialist individual volunteers, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where they feel valued and connected to the mission.
Our organisation takes pride in offering key benefits such as flexible working arrangements, 25 days annual leave per year and enhanced maternity provisions. We are also deeply committed to the development and growth of our staff, providing opportunities to enhance skills and achieve career goals. Plus, you’ll be joining a dedicated and passionate team that truly makes a difference.
Please ensure you submit a CV and cover letter to apply for this role.
Do you have experience working in the Scottish policy landscape? Are you passionate about driving meaningful change in mental health and suicide prevention policy? Do you want to make a real difference in people’s lives across Scotland?
Samaritans is looking for a dynamic and experienced Policy Manager to lead our policy and influencing work in Scotland.
- £39,000 - £41,500 per annum
- Permanent
- Full time (35 hours per week) with flexible working
- Hybrid working: Linked to our Edinburgh office with home and office working
About the Role
As Policy Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in our mission to reduce suicide. You’ll lead the development of evidence-based policy positions, influence national and local decision-making, and ensure our voice, and the voices of people with lived experience, are heard at the highest levels. This is an exciting time to join Samaritans Scotland, as we are a lead partner in Scotland’s national suicide prevention strategy, working closely with the Scottish Government and other partners to deliver the actions in the strategy and reduce lives lost to suicide in Scotland.
Working closely with the Head of Policy and Communications, you’ll manage a Policy & Engagement Officer and collaborate with colleagues across the UK and Ireland.
Your role will be challenging and rewarding. You’ll be positive, engaging and passionate, with motivational strengths which will enable you to lead and drive your team and inspire colleagues, external stakeholders, and people who want to stand alongside us in pushing for change. You’ll play a key role in ensuring we influence with one voice and help drive change to support suicide prevention.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development of policy positions and research to support suicide prevention in Scotland.
- Manage and mentor a Policy & Engagement Officer.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including government, public bodies, and the voluntary sector.
- Represent Samaritans externally, including at national forums and events.
- Develop and deliver influencing strategies, including responses to consultations and parliamentary inquiries.
- Ensure the voices of volunteers and people with lived experience are central to our policy work.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Extensive experience in policy development and influencing within a Scottish context.
- Strong understanding of mental health, suicide prevention, and/or inequalities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proven ability to manage people and projects effectively.
- Experience working collaboratively across teams and sectors.
Desirable:
- Background in mental health or suicide prevention.
- Experience of working with people with lived experience to inform policy.
- Knowledge of the Scottish voluntary sector and charity landscape.
Why Join Us?
At Samaritans, we believe fewer lives should be lost to suicide. You'll be part of a supportive and inclusive workplace that values innovation, resilience, and collaboration. Enjoy a hybrid working environment, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference.
Working at Samaritans:
For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure. You can also access it on our careers page.
Being Inclusive:
We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.
Application:
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please upload your CV and a cover letter, outlining your motivations for applying and why you think you would be a great fit for the role. Applications close at 9 am on Tuesday 5 August. Interviews taking place from 14 August.
Whilst we appreciate that the use of generative AI functions like ChatGPT is quickly becoming part of working life for many people, through our recruitment process we want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths. Therefore, we kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, cover letter or to generate interview answers.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity to work ‘behind the scenes’ at the heart of a small, vibrant organisation making a difference in the lives of male, trans and non-binary sex workers.
Based in central Manchester and reporting to the Head of Development and Fundraising, the successful candidate will be responsible for a range of duties spanning admin and finance, communications, and office management. The candidate will collaborate with all members of our multi-disciplinary team, providing high level support and getting involved with various projects and events. The role will suit an efficient, adaptable and highly organised candidate with a strong eye for detail. The candidate must also be confident using social media platforms and a range of other IT systems.
We actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of sex work.
Our Room strives to be an equal opportunities employer and celebrates diversity. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people and other disadvantaged groups.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Experienced Associate Independent Investigating Officers (IOs) for Stage 2 Complaints (This role sits within our Independent Person for Complaints (IPC) service)
Contract: Associate
Hours: Variable, according to demand for services/caseload and role in investigation
Salary: £25.25 per hour
Location: Associate Independent Investigating Officers for Complaints primarily work from home. Some travel may be required as part of an investigation – location will vary according to the referral received from the Local Authority. Cases will be allocated to Associate IOs living locally to the referring authority, wherever possible.
About Coram
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.
Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity, founded by Thomas Coram in London, helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
About the role
We are seeking additional experienced Associate Independent Investigating Officers (IO) for Complaints, to increase our capacity to respond to referrals from Local Authorities to provide an independent element to the formal Stage 2 investigations under the Children Act 1989.
The IO will lead investigations, and will give the complainant (who may be a child, young person or adult) the opportunity to express their view, ensure the child or young person’s rights and best interests are at the centre of the investigation and that the investigation/review process is open and transparent. They write a report on the investigation/review, which is submitted to the referring agency.
The Job Description document sets out the expectations for an Associate Independent Person for Complaints (IPC) who is approved by Coram Voice. IPCs are independent, freelance and responsible for their own work. Nevertheless, IPCs are accountable to the organisation for their professional standards and are expected to comply with Coram Voice Code of Ethics and Practice Guidelines.
Please note: the nature of associate work means that we cannot guarantee a regular amount of work, and complaints will be allocated dependent on the associate’s availability, location and the needs and demands of the individual case. Investigation work takes place Monday to Friday within working hours. This position is not suitable for applicants who already work or have commitments more than two days within the working week.
To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.
Closing date: Please note this is a rolling recruitment campaign
Interview date: TBC
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBTQ+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
We are a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children and get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them.
Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) are recruiting for an Expert by Experience Coordinator to join our supportive and growing team. The Expert by Experience Coordinator is a new role in our small dynamic charity. The postholder will work to ensure the voices and perspectives of individuals with lived experience of asylum and forced migration are integrated into the design and delivery of AFRIL services and policy work. This role involves facilitating communication, promoting co-production, and empowering individuals to share their expertise to improve services and guide policy priorities.
The post involves coordinating our monthly Members Forum, and working with the core team to feed this into policy and service development, alongside thematic and sometimes practical support to our Allotment Steering Group, Rainbow Club Youth Council and Asylum Hotel Residents Forum. The postholder will develop the AFRIL ambassadors scheme, creating opportunities for former clients to continue to be involved in shaping AFRIL, and work with the Director to develop a governance level co-production structure as agreed with the Board of Trustees.
We are looking for a good people person, able to engage and inspire others, who demonstrates a collaborative approach to working with a range of stakeholders and in particular AFRIL clients who come from a variety of backgrounds. The postholder will be highly organised, have good project planning and execution skills, and a good working knowledge of the issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. Community language skills are an asset.
About AFRIL
Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is a registered charity that supports asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in South East London. We support people to lift themselves out of poverty, assert their rights and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying problems that lead people to be in crisis, supporting people to integrate, contribute and thrive. Our work is grounded in the values of professionalism, inclusivity, and solidarity. Our clients are at the heart of what we do and our approach is one of co-production and empowerment.
AFRIL delivers the following core services in the London Boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley:
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Rainbow Club Supplementary School - providing weekly supplementary education in English and Maths, arts, music and sports activities to children from refugee, migrant and asylum seeking backgrounds from 4-11 years old, plus youth volunteering programme and Youth Council (NRCSE and Sanctuary Status).
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Casework and Advocacy Service: providing AQS accredited advice, casework and legal interventions in asylum support, community care, housing, welfare benefits and related matters. Pre-Action Protocol letters to challenge unlawful public law decisions. The service currently provides Level 1 immigration advice under the Immigration Advice Agency.
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Destitution Support - a fortnightly Food Bank in partnership with St Peter’s Church providing food, food vouchers, toiletries, and other essentials, alongside a warm hub with free cafe, information and support. Small grants for essential items and cash payments for food in emergencies. Securing and distributing gifts in kind, e.g. winter coats, laptops and data.
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Allotment of Refuge - a welcoming community of food growers that supports improved health, wellbeing and integration of members, whilst protecting the local environment.
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Immigration Project in partnership with Southwark Law Centre, providing free legal advice and representation to support people to regularise their immigration status.
We also use our frontline experience, together with our clients, to engage in Policy and influencing work to improve the services and policies that impact our client group. This includes advising the GLA on 3 asylum related working groups, and as a member of the London Housing Panel.
AFRIL is an equal opportunities employer. We are a diverse staff team and particularly encourage applications from BAME candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and those with lived experience of asylum/irregular migration. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support our staff to flourish.
We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector. Please feel free to use their information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.
Please read full Job Description and Person Specification. Applications will only be accepted through CharityJob - please submit a CV and cover letter (no more than one side of A4) detailing how you meet the person specification.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter – no more than one side of A4 – detailing how you meet the person specification for the role by 23:30 on Wednesday 27th August 2025.
We support asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community.




This role goes beyond traditional HR, and will help to deliver significant systemic change within ATLEU and, through sharing our learning, for survivors of trafficking across the advice and anti-trafficking workforces. The successful candidate will strengthen ATLEU’s organisational capacity to become a lived experience advice sector employer, integrate exceptional people management and ensure that every employee is equipped to thrive in their role.
In the coming months we will be reviewing our structure to better align it with our purpose and strategy, which will include establishing a new executive and leadership team and this appointment of a People and Inclusion Manager. This is a role for anyone with at least three years of HR experience and a strong interest in taking on a new challenge in an organisation with a commitment to maintaining and strengthening its people and culture and, to build its capacity to provide employment pathways for survivors of trafficking and slavery within the advice sector.
You will work closely under the supervision of the Head of Operations to develop and deliver a People, Culture and Inclusion strategy. You will provide efficient and effective management of Human Resources (HR) services and ensure ATLEU’s values and culture are woven into all areas of our activities. This is a part-time role (up to 21 hours per week), offering opportunities for growth and development.
The People and Inclusion Manager will be responsible for leading on enhancing a positive, energising work environment at ATLEU, enhancing staff well-being; with a specific focus on
- developing and implementing a people, culture and inclusion strategy
- ensuring that employee wellbeing is at the forefront of this strategy
- supporting the changes and HR developments needed for ATLEU to offer an inclusive and trauma-informed work environment so that we are ready and able to hire and support survivors of human trafficking within our workforce
- learning and development for the wider team and support for line managers to ensure they are equipped to support and manage their teams
We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network, which aims to create a charitable sector that is led by people with lived experience of the asylum and immigration system. As part of this network, we challenge the one-size-fits-all approach in our employment practices, and respect personal circumstances and needs of people with lived experience. Please feel free to use information and resources on the network's website which may help in preparing your job application.
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Please ensure that the cover letter:
? sets out why you wish to work for ATLEU
? addresses the criteria contained in the Person Specification
? demonstrates your competency for the role
Please ensure that we have a contact telephone number or email address so that we are able to contact you easily and in confidence.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.