Lived experience jobs

Hybrid working with regular travel to our London Bridge Office and to events (around the London and Midlands area)

What the job involves

We’re looking for a Black Health Equity Engagement Officer to join our Black Health Equity and Engagement team. The team plays a key role in supporting our community engagement work by building trust and strengthening relationships with Black community organisations and leaders across the UK. The aim is to raise awareness of prostate cancer risk within Black communities and help reduce the health inequalities experienced by Black men.

As a Black Health Equity Engagement Officer, you’ll be providing the logistical support to Prostate Cancer UK’s Black Men’s Advisory Group - who provide insights, support and guidance to the charity to help us address Black health equity. You’ll attend a wide range of community events and identify ways to spread awareness and build trusting relationships with groups, organisations and networks.

By building an understanding of the ways which health inequalities impact Black men affected by prostate cancer (and their families) you’ll establish effective and efficient working practices and gather data capturing the impact of this work.

You’ll get to meet a wide range of supporters and work with Black communities to ensure their lived experiences shape our work and help to increase our number of Black volunteers to increase awareness. You’ll also get to work with different teams across the charity and act as a source of knowledge for our work in tackling health inequalities. 

What we want from you

We’re looking for candidates who understand health inequalities and is able to explain how they may impact Black men affected by prostate cancer. Knowledge of, or previous involvement in health awareness initiatives would be beneficial for this role, although we also value transferable skills gained from other sectors.

You’ll have experience in organising meetings or events that cater to a diverse range of participants, ensuring that various perspectives are heard and valued, especially within Black communities. 

You’ll have a proven ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with a wide array of stakeholders. Furthermore, you’ll be a great communicator, especially when engaging with community stakeholders.

Please note that community events often take place on evenings or weekends – the successful candidate will need to work flexibly to attend roughly one weekend event a month and take time back mid-week. Community awareness events will take place in the Midlands and London.

Why work with us?
Every man needs to know about the most common cancer in men – prostate cancer. It’s a real and present danger that takes over 12,000 of our dads, grandads, brothers and friends each year.

Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity in the UK. We have a simple ambition – to stop prostate cancer damaging lives. We invest millions in research to revolutionise testing, treatment and care. We’re blazing a trail to a screening programme that could save thousands of lives with regular, accurate tests for all men at risk. And we work tirelessly to spread the word about risk and offer specialist support to people living with the disease.

Work with us and you’ll see your efforts pay off as we give men and their families the power to navigate prostate cancer.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

At Prostate Cancer UK we’re committed to righting health inequalities across the UK, starting with those faced by Black men. This includes ground-breaking research into Black men's risk and working with communities directly to overcome barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To make this happen, we're dedicated to being an inclusive, proactive organisation, as we strive to be Allies to Black communities. We’ll achieve this by advocating and working alongside those communities to promote change. We're also working to be Allies to each other, not only protected groups. In 2024, we launched our New Allyship Training Programme. All colleagues at Prostate Cancer UK will be trained to act and identify as an Ally.

We've also signed Business in the Communities Race at Work Charter, as a dedication to our Black health equity work and wider EDI priorities. As a signatory, we're responsible and accountable for driving positive change.

Ways of working

Our hybrid working approach combines the best of flexible working – a positive work/life balance, inclusive and accessible platforms, and online information at our fingertips.

Next steps
More information on what we offer, as well as the role, can be found on our vacancies page. Please download our job profile document (job description) with our ‘How to apply’ section sharing the key points to refer to in your application and to apply

Benefits: NOW! Pension scheme, flexible working/TOIL opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), 36 days holiday and additional for length of service, life assurance, eye test vouchers and training and development opportunities.

Hours: 36 hours per week, 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday

(This will include working some evenings to attend committee and Board meetings)

Location: Croydon, Surrey (some hybrid working opportunities, in line with the needs of the Charity)

Mind in Croydon (MiC) is a charity concerned with the welfare of people with mental health problems living in the London Borough of Croydon and the surrounding areas. MiC delivers Mental Health Transformation Program services alongside Croydon BME Forum, these include Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space and Mental Health Personal Independence Coordinators. Other services include Recovery Space (out of hours crisis alternative), Advocacy, Active Minds, Carers Support, Peer Support In Reach, Social Networking, Counselling.

We are seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Head of Finance and Resources to lead our financial and operational functions and play a key role in supporting the charity’s mission and long-term sustainability.

As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), you will oversee finance and facilities, ensuring robust financial management, compliance, and operational efficiency.

You’ll work closely with the CEO, Treasurer, and Trustee Board to deliver accurate reporting, strategic budgeting, and effective resource planning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day financial operations, including accounting, payroll, pensions, and reconciliations.
• Produce monthly management accounts and prepare annual financial statements in line with audit requirements.
• Manage the annual audit process and liaise with external auditors.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Treasurer to develop and monitor budgets and forecasts.
• Prepare donor financial reports in accordance with grant agreements and deadlines 
• Oversee the Finance Officer and Facilities Manager, ensuring smooth delivery of finance and premises support.
• Attend quarterly Finance and Risk sub-committee meetings, in addition to 3 to 4 full Board meetings annually.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Support strategic planning and contribute to organisational development through effective resource management.

We encourage applications from those with Lived Experience.

About You:

• Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with experience in charity finance.
• Proven track record in financial reporting, audit preparation, and budget management.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and financial compliance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Experience managing staff and working collaboratively across teams.
• Highly organised, with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• First rate IT skills including Microsoft Office. Working knowledge of HRIS’ is preferrable (Staffology currently used).
• Self-motivated with an adaptable and flexible approach
• Good team player with a can-do attitude

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

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.

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 Newham, working 35 hours per week. Working Well Trust's services have previously 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: Friday 15th 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 (please note you may be contacted for an earlier date proposal prior to the deadline.)

Final Stage interviews: TBC

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.

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.

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 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.

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:

• 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). 

• 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.

• 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. 

• Allotment of Refuge - a welcoming community of food growers that supports improved health, wellbeing and integration of members, whilst protecting the local environment. 

• 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. 

JCWI are looking for an Advocacy and Communications Director

Location | London N7 and flexible hybrid working
Reports to | Executive Director
Direct Reports:   | Advocacy and Communications Team (currently 4 members)

Who we are

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) is an independent charity established in 1967. For over 57 years, we have promoted our vision of a society in which people can live safely and are treated with equal dignity and respect, regardless of where they are from or how they came to the UK. To achieve this, we provide legal advice, representation and holistic support to migrants experiencing injustice, poverty, and discrimination; we undertake parliamentary advocacy and expert policy analysis; we speak out and challenge damaging and discriminatory media narratives about immigration; we use law as a tool of resistance;  we work in solidarity with migrants and grassroots groups, and we build campaigns that work towards a fairer approach in immigration and asylum law and policy. We root all aspects of our work in humanity, compassion, anti-oppression and anti-racist values, taking an approach that radically challenges the way that things are to build a new and better world for migrants.

Role purpose

This is a new role, where the director will bring together the work of the Advocacy and the Communications teams to lead JCWI's campaigns. The Director leads JCWI’s campaigns and community organising; policy and parliamentary advocacy; working in alignment with directly impacted communities and partners within and beyond the migration sector. The Director builds and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, and ensures the organisation’s collective expertise influences political debates and the public narrative on migrants’ rights and racial justice.

The role provides strategic leadership for JCWI’s campaigns to drive forward positive change for migrant rights in an increasingly hostile political climate, and supports a wide range of work building campaigns, coalitions and networks to advance migrant justice, ensuring that JCWI is a generous and collaborative partner, working in solidarity with all groups, including grassroots and community groups, unions, faith groups and NGOs.

The Director provides line management and strategic leadership to the Advocacy and Communications Team, overseeing the direction of the team, overseeing the teams' work and ensuring close, collaborative working relationships across all teams.

The Director is a lead spokesperson for the organisation, representing JCWI and our values at public forums, in the media and within coalitions. They will set the narrative and agenda for public discourse on migrant rights and border reform, lead the organisation’s long-term digital outreach and engagement work and support the team to create compelling and accessible content, driving traffic to our digital channels and converting this into successful supporter and donor recruitment and engagement strategies. They maintain the visibility of JCWI and its messages and protect & promote JCWI’s reputation as a leading voice in the discourse on migration, rights, and racial justice in the UK.

JCWI has a proud history of leadership from racialised people and people with lived experience of the immigration system, and therefore we strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of the immigration system and are representative of the communities we work with.

Leadership

• Anti-oppression: Ensure that JCWI’s work remains situated within a wider movement against racism and oppression, and that our strategies better centre and support grassroots and community groups and people directly impacted by border violence, by maintaining and building strong relationships with migrant-led and racial justice organisations  

• Senior Leadership: Collaborate with other members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to deliver the organisation’s five-year strategy, ensuring we live our core values

• Strategic Leadership: Support the Advocacy and Communications Team to develop, implement and review effective strategies for all policy, advocacy, campaigning, and community organising work. These strategies will cohere with JCWI’s legal work, and aptly respond to an evolving political landscape, by knowing which levers to pull when in order to build power and influence
• Line management: Support all direct reports with regards to well-being and development, through one-to-one supervision, guidance and long-term work planning, ensuring staff have autonomy over their work, with their skills, expertise and strengths valued, and embodying a non-hierarchical approach to line management

• Positive culture: Embody and embed a positive and healthy working culture within the Advocacy and Communications Team and across the organisation, which includes fostering a safe space for learning and growth, maintaining a positive work-life balance and collaborative work ethos

• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning: Work with the Grants Manager to develop and maintain improved Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning systems, set targets and measure outputs within the Advocacy and Communications Team which cohere with the organisation as a whole and our collective strategic objectives.

• Collaboration: Maintain and foster strong intra and inter-departmental relationships at every level, ensuring collaboration and open communication to deliver our organisational objectives

• Spokesperson: Represent the organisation as a lead spokesperson in public forums, in coalitions, on broadcast, and in print media

• Team development: Support the Team to grow through continuous investment in training, learning, and development, with people from racialised and marginalised backgrounds meaningfully supported against any structural barriers they may face. Manage recruitment for the Advocacy and Communications Team, encouraging better representation at JCWI, including increasing the number of people from racialised and marginalised backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of the immigration system

• Financial planning: Work with the Operations Team to ensure the budget for JCWI’s advocacy work is effectively planned for and managed, and that the team is appropriately resourced 

Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns Work

• Lead on JCWI’s core campaigns, driving forward policy, advocacy, and campaigns outputs, and ensuring the campaigns centre the views and experiences of people with lived experience

• Lead on JCWI’s ‘reactive’ policy, advocacy and campaigning work in response to an ever-changing and increasingly hostile political landscape, representing JCWI in coalitions and developing sound policy and political analysis on key threats facing migrant communities, including but not limited to: refugee rights, human rights protection, the hostile environment, Windrush, digital justice, detention, and family reunion.

• Represent JCWI at meetings and events with key decision makers, including parliamentarians, policymakers and other organisations in the sector, to make the case for policy change, influence narratives, and hold those in power to account in solidarity with communities at the sharpest end of UK immigration controls 

• Work closely with the Legal Directors and wider team to ensure our casework and outreach informs JCWI’s advocacy work, and to together identify opportunities for public-interest litigation relevant to JCWI’s campaign priorities 

• Ensure JCWI’s Lived Experience Strategy is embedded into the Advocacy and Communications Team’s ways of working and oversee the implementation of the Strategy across JCWI with the support and collaboration of the whole organisation.

Public Campaigns, Outreach and Engagement Work

• Lead, develop, implement, and review effective strategies for communication and engagement work across traditional, digital and paid media
• Support a proactive, safe culture that identifies, creates, and jumps at opportunities to increase JCWI’s impact
• Work with the Communications team to ensure their input is incorporated into organisational strategy and ensure communications strategies support both strategic campaigns and broader organisational objectives
• Support our traditional press and digital engagement work to ensure JCWI is at the forefront of public discourse on migrant rights and border reform
• Work closely with the Legal Directors and wider team to ensure our casework and outreach informs our external communications
• Grow and engage JCWI’s audiences, ensuring a consistent tone of voice and brand across outputs and channels and influencing public discourse in support of flagship campaigns
• Set quantifiable targets and have a strong understanding of reporting, evaluation and measurement of comms outputs.
• Ensure the voices of JCWI’s service users, our grassroots partners and community-based campaigners with lived experience of the sharpest end of the border regime/immigration controls borders are elevated and supported.
• Provide oversight on written and multimedia outputs, including comments, pitches, editorials and digital content, reviewing and quality assuring for sign-off, and ensuring spokespeople are well trained and well briefed before engaging with the media
• Support reactive or ‘breaking news’ work and ensure rotas (including out-of-hours rotas) for media and press are well managed

Person Specification – Advocacy and Communications Director

The ideal candidate has experience:

• In a management or leadership role (essential)
• Developing and implementing campaigns on migrants’ rights, racial or social justice issues (essential)  
• Working with complex policy issues in a highly politicised setting (essential)
• Engaging both digital and traditional media in a strategic way for campaigns or public narrative change (essential)
• Developing and implementing long-term, strategic plans which are rooted in firm values and visions (essential)
• Working collaboratively and building strong relationships with individuals and coalitions (essential)   
• Working meaningfully with communities and people who have lived experience of oppression (essential)
• Lived experience of the immigration system, or from a racialised or marginalised background (desirable)
• Working in immigration, asylum, and/or human rights law (desirable) or willingness and ability to learn (essential)
• Developing, supporting, or implementing plans for supporter recruitment & mobilisation (desirable)

NB: experience may be in a paid or unpaid capacity, and includes work undertaken in a range of organisational forms, which includes but is not limited to non-profit organisations, political campaigns, trade unions, community and grassroots groups, and organising movements

The ideal candidate is:

• Committed to defending and furthering the rights of all people who move, and embodies wider anti-oppressive values and practices, including anti-racism, queer and trans liberation, gender justice, class solidarity, and the importance of an intersectional approach to social justice 
• Recognises the value of legal representation when used as a tool of resistance, and is committed to legal aid as fundamental to access to justice
• Someone who proactively collaborates with others and nurtures and develops relationships both internally and externally, seeing the value in the diversity of skills and methodologies that drive organisations and campaigns forwards  
• A strategic thinker who is politically astute, has an advanced understanding of the political landscape as it relates to migrants’ rights and racial justice and can identify threats and harness opportunities when working on politically contentious issues  
• A relationship-builder, able to support their Team and the organisation by building and maintaining relationships with external partners, including with key media
• Creative and innovative, and eager to encourage and support others’ creativity  
• A person who comfortably deals with new and complex information, digesting this quickly and simplifying nuanced policy or legal issues for a range of audiences 
• An excellent written and verbal communicator, able to produce written outputs and review or edit drafts for quality, consistency and accessibility, and also represent the organisation at key events, meetings and in the media clearly and persuasively
   

How to apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter (no longer than 2 A4 pages) which outlines your suitability for the role as set out in the job description and how you meet the person specification above, via our website.

DEADLINE:  
Submission of CV and covering letter  | 11.30pm 28th August

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. 

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. 

Supported Housing Manager

Treasures Foundation offers accommodation and outreach to vulnerable women who have backgrounds of addiction, trauma, mental health and the criminal justice system. We provide housing and support until women can make the transition into their own homes, with some long-arm support extending beyond this period.

The Area Manager will work alongside the COO and CEO to help develop and manage the existing service as well as a new detox provision. Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Providing guidance to Specialist Support Manager, Project workers and Volunteers to support their professional development, ensuring that the service is run professionally, efficiently and effectively.

· Fostering a holistic approach to supporting staffs needs, through supervision and appraisals.

· Seeking and highlighting opportunities for change at project/ organisational level

· Creating and developing a group programme which meets the needs of the women and aims of the project, such as effective communication and conflict resolution

· Planning and managing the staff rota and Out of Hours emergency on call rota, required to meet the needs of the service

· Reviewing and auditing the service on a continual basis, ensuring that it meets both the needs of the residents and quality standards.

· Ensuring the safety of the houses by managing challenging behaviour, through conflict resolution and following procedures

· Fostering good working relationships with key stakeholders

· Overseeing the individual tailored programmes created by project staff. 

· Helping to build and develop relationships with outside organisations in order to promote the work of Treasures and identify opportunities to achieve the best outcomes for residents.

· Adhering to relevant policies and procedures

·         Ensure staff update data base system and log reports

· Updating trustees quarterly on the service by providing a written report

Person Specification

Essential

· Experience managing supported living or residential care (ideally mental health focused)

· Knowledge of working with individuals with complex or challenging behaviours

· Comfortable supporting and leading staff teams

· Strong communication and organisational skills

· Someone proactive, confident, and committed to high standards of care and support

This post is subject to an Enhanced Level with a Barred List DBS check, although we do not discriminate, and we actively welcome applications from those with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System and/or in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

Please note - Female only applicants please