Mentor Jobs

Forces Employment Charity is seeking a dedicated employment advisor to join our Military Women programme. In this role, you will provide holistic employment and training advice and guidance to a diverse caseload of female veterans and reservists, supporting their personal development and employability skills until they achieve their desired outcomes by having a sustainable career.

The Military Women programme combines coaching and mentoring, practical employment support, access to employment pathways and apprenticeships, and corporate mentoring to offer the best possible opportunities to upskill and gain fulfilling employment.

Reporting to the National Employment Projects Manager. This position is full-time, 35 hours per week with a salary of £29,000 per annum. This role is Home-based (with community outreach) in the South/Southeast region. It involves regular travel across the operating region and working from home when not out in the community. The usual working hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; however, there may be an occasional need to work outside core hours to meet the demands of the role.

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Principal Responsibilities:

• Make a positive impact by putting our clients at the heart of everything you do.
• Assess individual client’s needs; identify any challenges and barriers.
• Build rapport, show empathy, motivate, and increase aspirations.
• Support clients in developing their skills and CVs and effectively preparing for the job application process, including interview coaching, confidence-building, and access to digital upskilling.
• Networking and engagement: promote the benefits of FEC case worker support to female veterans and reservists, and stakeholders.
• Work with the Marcoms officer to promote and support the FEC Military Women Programme to beneficiaries, charities, and other organisations working with female veterans and reservists.
• Work with colleagues to support Employer Engagement to generate employment opportunities for female veterans and reservists.
• Provide advice and guidance to female veterans and reservists throughout the journey into employment following the FEC Case Management Guidance and Work Instructions.

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PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Essential Competencies:

• Experience working in a customer-focused environment and delivering excellent customer service.
• Effective team player with strong collaboration skills
• Excellent organisational, time management and administrative skills.
• Proficient in using a CRM system to document confidential information, monitor progress, and assess impact
• Ability to work effectively towards achieving targets, meeting key performance indicators (KPIs), and adhering to deadlines.
• Able to demonstrate coaching/mentoring experience and influencing skills.
• Passionate about personal development and helping others achieve their goals.
• A strong drive to succeed through self-motivation and initiative, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
• An understanding of the challenges faced by serving, reservist, and veteran Armed Forces personnel, along with empathy for their experiences and the difficulties they and their families encounter in securing fulfilling and sustainable employment.
• Dedicated to upholding and embodying our organizational values.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office packages, Outlook and other platforms

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Desirable Competencies:

• Lived experience
• Strong knowledge of the employment and education sectors, including recruitment, welfare-to-work services, work-based learning, and vocational training.
• NVQ L4 in Advice, Information and Guidance (FEC to provide the appropriate qualification of NVQ L4)

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Security Clearance

Successful candidates will be the subject of an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (EDBS) check. The job offer will be subject to a successful DBS enhanced.​

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FEC is committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion, belief, sex or sexual orientation. We strive to be a Team that reflects all the communities with which we engage around the world through diversity in the workplace and promoting an inclusive culture in which all team members are respected, empowered and valued.

We actively encourage people with personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group to apply for this role.

​If you meet the criteria and are passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply. The closing date for the position is Midnight, 20 January 2024.

The first stage of online interviews will begin during the week commencing 20 January 2025, and final face-to-face interviews will be conducted during the week commencing 27 January 2025.

Job Title: Programme Lead

Reporting to: Senior Programme Lead

Salary: £23,500 with extended holidays

Contract: Permanent, term-time-only; full time (37.5 hours per week)

Location: Cheshire, NW

“The facilitator is a friend and teacher mixed into one… she gets the reasoning from the teacher and the understanding bit from the friend.” - Power2 Rediscover Young Person

Power2 is a fast growing and energetic children and young people’s charity that has supported 25,000 young people since 2001.  We are based in the North West of England and London and deliver early-intervention asset-based programmes to children and young people who have mental wellbeing challenges and are disengaged from school and more widely. We are well-known for our accredited Teens and Toddlers programme.

We believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, even when things get tougher. We support young people to get the most out of their education by helping them to improve their mental health and wellbeing and develop their skills. We inspire young people who are at significant risk of school exclusion to re-engage and fulfil their potential at school, at work and in life.

Our work is growing, particularly in the North West of England, and we are looking for new Programme Leads to deliver our programmes so that all children and young people, regardless of their needs, feel they belong and can prosper.

Our new Programme Leads will work as part of a team in secondary schools to support young people, their families, and school staff to ensure that at-risk pupils make the most of their education and improve their life chances. Work will include 1:1 support and delivery of Power2’s core programmes, including Teens and Toddlers and Power2 Progress. The successful candidates could be based in one school or travel between multiple schools.

The relationships you cultivate with the young people you work with are at the heart of our success – so recruiting the right people is paramount. Our facilitators work with significant autonomy and authority and must embrace responsibility and be accountable for their work. They work collaboratively alongside young people, operating as a mentor as they empower young people to develop self-esteem, become resilient and engage with school and their own future. They give each young person the time, the confidence and skills to engage with their education and their future life plans.

On the second page of the application form, please upload a CV and personal statement. In your personal statement please describe how your skills and experience match the role description and provide your notice period. Applications without a personal statement will not be considered.

The successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check (child workforce) and provide details of two referees.

Power2 strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can ALL be ourselves. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Power2 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We may undertake an online search if you are shortlisted

Programmes Administrator (Greater Manchester & Other Regions) £22,000 per annum (pro-rata)

Full time role (37.5 hours) with an initial 6-month fixed term contract continuing subject to funding.

Remote working, with the option for hybrid working (two days working from home, two days in the office in Manchester, and the remaining day up to you).

At One Million Mentors, our aim is to ensure that every young person in the country has access to a trained mentor as they transition into adulthood. We believe that investing in mentors will help to address the skills gap agenda and improve social cohesion.

Would you like the opportunity to:

• Be part of a dynamic, values-driven organisation working to achieve lasting social change?

• Work across the business, public and third sector to develop innovative ways of harnessing the potential of young people in Great Britain? 

• Help shape a growing organisation?

• Enhance your personal development and job satisfaction through monthly team training sessions, personal L&D opportunities and a 15 hour per year volunteering allowance?

If so, this may be the role for YOU!

About the role

The Programmes Administrator will be in charge of the smooth running of 1MM Mentoring Programmes in Greater Manchester and other regions, including the supporting of mentors & mentees through their journey. By ensuring a fast and effective onboarding process, timely communication, and ongoing support for our participants the Programmes Administrator will assist Regional Managers and/or the Head of Delivery with maximising the positive impact of 1MM’s mentoring programmes. This role reports to the Head of Delivery. 

For a more detailed job description, please see the job pack attached.

Remuneration and benefits: Salary bracket of £22,000 (pro rata), up to 6.5% employer pension contribution and 25 days holiday per year (pro rata). 

**Please note that applications submitted without a Covering Letter will not be considered**

For further details on how to apply, please see application guidelines attached.

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Peer Mentor & Group Coordinator

Salary: £30,000 - £32,000

Location: Hammersmith and other London centres

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 31/01/2026

Direct reports: Up to 10 volunteer Peer Mentors

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

The Peer Mentor & Group Coordinator will play a pivotal role in the design, delivery and project management of the Maia group programme and Peer Mentor offer. This role combines the coordination of the Maia Peer Mentor service and the design and delivery of Maia’s group programme and activities. The post holder will work closely with the Maia Service Manager and Advocates in the team to create a supportive environment for participants to build resilience, develop skills and access pathways to a safer and more stable future.

About You:
To be successful as the Peer Mentor & Group Coordinator (Young Women & Girls) you will need the below experience and skills:

You will bring at least one year’s full-time experience of supporting/working with women and girls at risk of violence and abuse, mental ill-health and/or contact with the criminal justice system. A proven track record of proactively reaching out to young people, including girls and young women, in innovative ways and successfully engaging “hard-to-reach” service users.

You will have knowledge and understanding to create and manage a programme of inclusive, strengths-based, prevention and awareness-raising groups and workshops for YWG at risk, liaising with keyworkers and partner agencies to support YWG with their development and improve their relationships skills and the ability to proactively assess risks and safety concerns, liaising with YWG’s allocated keyworker, raising concerns with the Maia Service Manager and taking appropriate action to safeguard YWG whilst working within a model of empowerment.

You are able to learn from and engage with YWG to co-design groups and workshops programme and work closely with colleagues identify opportunities for YWG to make their voices heard and share their insights with a wider audience.

You will be able to effectively engage and recruit women with lived experience to act as Peer Mentors for the YWG engaging with the Maia service.

You will be able to develop resources and deliver a training package to Peer Mentors, including sessions on key topics such as safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality, building relationships and maintaining boundaries, active listening and risk and crisis management, as well as specialist workshops focused on the challenges facing YWG, including violence, abuse and exploitation and contact with the criminal justice system.

You will have experience in developing and maintaining links with partner agencies (statutory and non-statutory, including children and young people’s and women and girls’ voluntary services) across the six boroughs, raising the profile of the Maia service and developing specific referral pathways for Volunteer Mentors and the YWG they support where appropriate.

You will be knowledgeable and have a strong understanding of the challenges facing vulnerable young women and girls, including the impacts of domestic abuse, exploitation, mental health and contact with the criminal justice system, and of the practical and emotional support needs specific to this group, including education, confidence and relationship-building.

How to apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.

Closing Date for Applications:

Interviews are taking place on a rolling basis

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

A 35-hour working week

An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)

Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home

Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more

Pension scheme

Enhanced maternity/adoption provision

Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

Employee eye-care scheme

Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles

Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation

Organisation wide away days

Thorough induction and training

Career development pathways

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

Interim Partnership Development Manager

Background

BCP is in need of additional operational leadership on an interim basis, for a minimum of three months, with the possibility of extension.

Role

To support the strategic development and operations of BCP

Timings

Immediate start desirable, with a minimum three month contract, possibility of extension to six.

Reporting to

Lead Partner (Bude-Stratton Town Council) and Interim Chair 

Responsibilities 

• Support the board with work on its governance and future directions: related project work and organisational development initiatives

• Board secretariat (monthly evening meetings and associated tasks)

• Lead the staff team, including mentoring individuals and strengthening ways of working across the project strands and with the partnership board 

• Review and improve document management systems 

• Other work as required by the Interim Chair and Lead Partner (BSTC)

Skills and experience required

• Project management

• Working with a non-executive board and / or board level experience

• Working for or with a similar / relevant organisation to BCP

• Commitment to our values

• Understanding and experience of reputation management and stakeholder engagement

• Staff management and mentoring 

Terms

The role would be the equivalent of two/three days a week, hybrid, with flexibility around actual days worked and the balance between office/remote working. A minimum of the equivalent of one day per week in Bude for face-to-face meetings is anticipated. Remuneration commensurate with skills and experience, proportionate to a publicly funded (Lottery) not-for-profit organisation. 

Are you ready to support a dedicated team of expert practitioners supporting young prison leavers to transform their lives? Switchback supports young Londoners to live life differently after prison with award-winning results. At the heart of the organisation, our Delivery Team has grown quickly over the last four years to ten Switchback Mentors with two Delivery Managers and a Pathways Partnership Manager.

The Delivery Manager role leads on ensuring our team of Switchback Mentors, who work within prisons and the community, have the support, systems and processes in place to deliver the Switchback programme effectively, maximising the impact for Trainees. Caseloads are deliberately small; Mentors work with no more than five Trainees at a time, with an annual Trainee minimum target of 10-12.

The post holder will be responsible for line managing Switchback Mentors, providing support, development, and motivation to ensure the delivery of the Switchback programme to a high standard, in line with the organisation's approach and values. Additionally, they will ensure that the Delivery Team’s operational processes are well-developed and effectively implemented.

Working alongside the Head of Delivery, CEO and one other Delivery Manager, you will ensure that the insights from our work with Trainees inform the continued development of our programme and methodology. You will also support the Head of Delivery to implement improvements to our model, including piloting and assessing new approaches and adaptations, so we can continuously strengthen and grow our offer to reach more men in the justice system.

We are looking for Trainee Virtual Careers Advisers to work as part of our National Careers Service team working in our contact centre in Ashford (hybrid working will also be considered working for a minimum of 2 days in Ashford per week). 

To apply for this role, no direct experience is necessary, although experience of working in a contact centre or customer service environment is desirable.  Full training and support will be provided.

Main Responsibilities:

• Respond effectively to telephone calls, and emails/web-chat enquiries in a timely fashion, ensuring that the National Careers Service is fully explained, and customers are supported to a high standard.
• To obtain and verify client information and eligibility, ensuring all administrative processes are accurately completed in accordance with policy and procedure.
• Deliver clear and unbiased first-line information and advice to customers, including information about the service in their local area, and access to appointments.
• Accurately assess the need for and deliver or arrange a full careers information, advice and guidance interview if the customer requires this.
• To provide clear and unbiased information, advice or guidance on all matters relating to learning and work, including employment, education and training
• Achieve a range of set quantitative and qualitative targets using a case load management approach and utilising the customer management system (CRM) effectively.

CXK is an award-winning charity that empowers young people and adults to build the skills and confidence they need to move into sustainable education, employment or training.  The National Careers Service provides careers information advice and guidance to help people make decisions about learning, training and work. 

We are looking for excellent communicators who are passionate about supporting others to achieve their goals. You will be organised, able to work flexibly and confident using the internet and IT.

If you want to make a difference by supporting others and have experience of working with people in retail, customer service, sales, recruitment, education, employability, or something similar, then this could be the role for you!

In return you will receive: 

• Comprehensive training including a fully funded qualification in Careers Information Advice and Guidance.
• Extensive work shadowing, practical experience, and on-the-job training.
• All the required support to get to work in our Contact Centre, and to get to know your local area, the needs of our customers and the partners we work with.

• 30-33 days holiday, plus bank holidays (pro-rata).
• Membership of a defined contribution pension scheme, with contributions matched by CXK (up to 10% of annual salary depending on length of service).
• Free personal Life Assurance (3 x annual salary).
• Flexible working arrangements, including home working.
• Generous sickness, maternity and paternity leave benefits.
• For more information, please see our Work for Us page. 

Please note that the hours for this role will include shifts between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and Saturdays 10am-5pm.

If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!

To apply for this role all you need to do is upload a copy of your CV and cover letter to our HR Platform using the 'Apply online' button. Please note that CVs alone will not be considered. 

Closing date for applications: 9am 16th December 2024

Interview Date: 8th January 2025 

**Please note that we reserve the right close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.  Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible*

This is an exciting opportunity to be instrumental in developing new services and support for, and with, children and young people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.  The post is initially for one year with a view to extending the contract to a permanent position subject to available funding.

We are a well-established and impactful charity working with children, young people and adults of all ages.  Our Children and Young People’s Service currently offers a wide range of services and support to children who are vision impaired or have a multi-sensory impairment and their families.

Having identified gaps in services available to children who are Deaf and hard of hearing, we want to work collaboratively with others to help ensure that Deaf & hard of hearing children have the opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

Do you thrive on working in a team that has person-centred and holistic approach?

Would you like to work for a local charity that has the flexibility to work in a variety of different ways to meet the needs of Deaf children, young people and their families?

Are you looking for a role that includes direct work with children, young people and families, as well as service development?

Primary Objectives:

 This is a new role and offers an exciting opportunity to be instrumental in the co-design of collaboration, support and services to meet the unmet needs of Deaf children and those that are hard of hearing (HOH).  Working with the Head of CYPS, and in collaboration with other Teams.

The role has two parts:

 1) Working with the Head of Department to scope and develop a new service that will meet the needs of Deaf children, young people and their families.  Working in collaboration with other charities and organisations to enhance the support available, and to discover future opportunities to work collaboratively.

2) Offering direct family support to parents and carers with Deaf or HOH children.

Service Development

· Liaising with appropriate people including parents, colleagues within our organisation, and professionals from other organisations to develop and implement a support service that will meet the needs of families whose children are Deaf or HOH.

· When unmet needs are identified, to seek creative solutions to find the best way forward to address the arising issues.

· To work with the Fundraising Team to support funding applications.

· Attend internal and external meetings as appropriate to highlight identified needs, promote the Charity’s vision with regards to services for children who are Deaf/HOH.  Highlighting our aims and objectives in regard to the development of this service.

· To demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities paying particular attention as to how these principles apply to Deaf and HOH children, and those who have a multi-sensory impairment, as well as highlighting the added impact this can have on those children who have additional complex needs.

· To keep up to date with current legislation, local & national policies and research.

· As appropriate to work with parents, children and young people to enable them to participate and influence this service development.

· To keep records of findings, decisions, meetings, outcomes etc ensuring that the organisation has an accurate record of how the service is being developed alongside the decision-making process throughout the life of the project.

Family Support Worker role 

· To support parents and carers whose children are Deaf/HOH assisting them when appropriate.

· To adhere to the standards and legislation for confidentiality, equality, and diversity.  Keeping accurate and up to date records.

· To assess and identify when the needs of the children and their families are not being met and work with parents, other professionals, and organisations as appropriate to address the issues, with the aim of ensuring that the children have the opportunities and environments that will enable them to reach their potential and achieve their aspirations.

· To facilitate effective support networks to enable parents and carers to share experiences and provide peer support.

· To run parent-led support groups giving parents the opportunity to meet without their children present enabling them to voice their opinions.

· Ensure the family support element of our service is needs led and inclusive.

· Offer emotional support to parents and young people as appropriate.

· To act as a point of contact for the child or young person and their family to offer support, information and guidance and referral route to appropriate services.

· To advocate for the family/ child’s needs, attend meetings, write supporting letters, attend appointments etc.

Main Duties:

 To work with the Head of Department to identify unmet needs, scope out and develop services for Deaf and hard of hearing children and their families to address challenges, ensuring that children and young people have equity in the opportunities available to them.

To identify gaps in services available to children and their families in relation to their backgrounds and lifestyles ensuring access to appropriate support services.

To deliver a range of support services that promotes good practice reflecting the requirements of children and young people and their families.

To provide a positive role model at all times to children, young people, their families and the wider community.

To ensure services provided are of a high quality and enable every child to have the opportunity to achieve their aspirations and reach their full potential.

Where appropriate to work in partnership with outside agencies such as Surrey County Council Physical and Sensory Education, Social Care, Health services, Housing and other relevant charities.

Develop information and resources about the opportunities available to families whose children/ young people are Deaf, or hard of hearing.

To support children and young people through transition from children’s services into adult services, engaging with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) services, and adult services where appropriate.

To support parents, carers and other professionals with Education & Health Care Plans (EHCP’s) to ensure they accurately reflect the needs of the child or young person.

To be proactive in safeguarding all children and adults from abuse, prevent abuse from occurring, and report any suspected incidents of abuse, following our Policies and Procedures which link with Surrey County Council local Multi-Agency Policies and Procedures.

As appropriate attend Team Around the Family (TAF), Child In Need (CIN), Education & Health Care Planning (EHCP), Transition meetings and case conferences etc.

To work with parents, carers and children individually ensuring that each interaction is person centred to meet the needs of the child/ family.

To maintain effective recording of work undertaken, concerns, decisions, actions etc. to respect and uphold the confidential nature of personal information as required by the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

To take responsibility for the reporting on the key performance indicators and outcomes attached to both the developmental element of the service and the family support element of this role, in order to meet the requirements of the funders of the service.

To support the Fundraising Team in developing funding bids and applications based on outcomes.

To work with the admin team to keep accurate statistics and report on the outcomes of the service.

To represent the charity at external forums and as appropriate, attend meetings as a representative.

 To co-operate fully as a member of the staff team and to ensure good communication at all times including attending team meetings, supervision and annual appraisal.

To participate in training and development events as appropriate, and to take responsibility for personal development and learning.

Skills and qualities

Essential criteria

1) Competent British Sign Language user (BSL Level 3 as a minimum for non-native BSL users).

2) Knowledge with regards to child developmental milestones, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, safeguarding, health and safety, equality and data protection legislation, that will enable post holder to ensure activities always comply and operate within the law.

3) Ability to work imaginatively, creatively and reflectively, with regards to problem solving and service development.

4) Ability to work as part of a wider team, both within the immediate department and across the wider organisation, and other organisations and charities that we work collaboratively with. 

5) Working in partnership, acknowledging what families bring and what practitioners contribute. In all interactions with families, effective communication is key to building real relationships.

6) To work flexibly and be available to support children, young people, and their families.  Occasionally families may benefit from appointments outside of normal office hours.

7) To have professional experience and excellent communication skills that enable the post holder to work with very emotional situations and as far as possible meet the needs of parents & their children while remaining professional at all times.

8) Ability to write reports, supporting letters, and to keep accurate and concise records.

Desirable criteria:

Lived experience as someone who is:

• Deaf or hard of hearing themselves
• A parent carer of a Deaf or hard of hearing young person
• A sibling of a Deaf or hard of hearing person
• A child of Deaf parents

We're looking for someone a bit special who believes in the deep potential of children who are not thriving elsewhere in life. We’re looking for experience, passion, energy and the drive to go the extra mile on these young people’s behalf.

The position is a dual role. You’ll join as one of two dedicated Youth Workers and will lead on a portion of Free to Be Kids’ year-round follow-on support for vulnerable young people who we have already engaged via our Thrive Outside residentials. Crucially, a core aspect of the role will be leading an average of 8-10 of our residential projects across each year - working on the ground with the children, leading the volunteers, and helping make the projects special, safe, and transformative for vulnerable young people, many of whom have complex needs. You’ll be joining a small staff team of 8, supplemented by a vibrant and committed group of volunteers.

Attendance at approximately 8-10 five-six night residential projects per year outside London is a core component of this role.

On offer to the right candidate:

Salary: Circa £29,000-£34,000, dependent on experience.

Hours: Fulltime: 37.5 hours per week. Essential attendance on at c.8-10 residential projects a year.

Leave: 25 days per year, plus bank holidays and up to 13 additional pre-set discretionary reward days in September and during the Christmas period.

Other benefits: 4% employer pension contribution paid on full base salary, rising by 1% per year of service, up to a maximum of 6%, hybrid working, office with great transport links, flexible working (outside core hours), employee reward scheme, a tight-knit effective team with great morale.

Based: Hybrid – our small office in Waterloo, London. Hybrid working is well established with the majority of the team splitting time around 50:50 between the office and home.

To start: Ideally, February 2025.

Who we’re looking for:

Our next Youth Work hero. You'll be fun, active, energised, deeply experienced in work with young people with complex needs, and looking to join an organisation you can believe in and who in return will believe and invest in you.

You’ll have multiple years’ experience working alongside young people who might struggle in other settings and will be used to dealing with a range of challenging behaviours and complex support needs, ideally including mental health support needs,with a good understanding of safeguarding. You’ll have the flexibility to work away from home on up to 10 week-long residential projects per year. Ideally, you’ll also have experience of leading projects for children – whether residential or non-residential. Experience of working on or leading residentials projects themselves is not required but may be an advantage.

We are a small, vibrant, friendly staff team of 8, growing to 9 by the summer, supported by a committed volunteer base of around 200.

We are particularly keen to encourage applications from those who can help us represent the lived experiences of our children through their own lived experience or background.

To apply:

See full Job Description & Person Specification on our website.

Send a copy of your CV or up to date LinkedIn profile, as well as a covering letter, by the closing date of 8pm, Sunday 5th January 2025.

Covering letters should be very approximately 1 to 1.5 sides A4 and address the question of: ‘Why this role, why now’, as well as ‘what strengths, experience and skills you would bring with you to the role’.If you prefer, you are welcome to submit a short (2 to 4 minutes) video covering these questions either instead of, or to supplement, your cover letter. We have found this helps bring the strongest applications to life, though the video is not a requirement.

Selection Process and Timeline:

Selection will be via two stage interview. As there is only a short turnaround from application closure on 5th January to 1st stage interviews 8th-9th January, we will assess applications and offer interview slots throughout the window. However, you will not be disadvantaged if you need to wait till the closing date to submit.

1st stage interviews:Weds 8th – Thurs 9th January (virtual)

2nd stage final interviews: Monday 13th January (in-person, London Waterloo)

Please hold interview dates as alternates dates are unlikely to be available.

​The role requires an Enhanced DBS check and existing right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions about the role, contact us via our website and we’d be happy to arrange an informal chat. We look forward to hearing from you!

Disabled people face significant inequalities in education, sport, leisure and employment. They often face multiple barriers to fulfilling their potential and achieving their aspirations. Sport and physical activity have the power to inspire, enable, build self-esteem, and provide success. They can improve physical health, employability, mental well-being and social community inclusion. However, many barriers prevent disabled people from accessing sport. These include a lack of coaching, clubs, transport, equipment and support networks, as well as high costs and negative perceptions of disabled people participating in sport.

We are a fairly new charity established in 2021, with big ambitions for the future. We have started with small but meaningful projects. We are reaching out to disabled people, learning from our projects, and focusing on our vision and purpose.

We are now looking for someone to join our small but mighty team as our Project Officer. This is a new role, and is crucial to the development of the charity over the next few years. You will set up and deliver new projects to enable disabled people to get active and access sporting opportunities. To do this you will develop relationships with partners, funders and the disability community. This role has the potential for growth and development. You will have a huge influence in shaping our project delivery so that we can continue supporting disabled people to achieve their ambitions through sport.

As a user led organisation, we are keen to receive applications from disabled people.

About the Richard Whitehead Foundation

The Richard Whitehead Foundation is a small charity with big aspirations to use the power of sport for the benefit of disabled people. We believe in the impact of sport: the increased mental well-being, the confidence, the self-esteem, the social inclusion and employability which can come from it.  We want disabled people to be able to thrive and benefit from all the opportunities that sport provides.

Our vision: Enabling disabled people’s ambitions.

Our purpose: We believe disabled people should have access to the life-changing power of sport.

Our mission: We place the individual at the centre of our work. We provide access to life-changing support, mentoring, information, advice, equipment, and opportunities that will spark a sustained lifetime intervention.

Our values:  Person Centred Dynamic Powerful Authentic Inclusive

Main purpose of this role

Our mentoring work provides a person-centred approach, supporting disabled people to access the life-changing power of movement and sport. We train mentors (who are mostly disabled) and match them with disabled people who face multiple barriers and are likely to remain inactive without intervention. They work together to break down these barriers and connect with local sports clubs and initiatives. We delivered our first mentoring programme in Nottingham and are now looking to expand the programme across the East Midlands and other areas in England and Wales. Alongside this we want to expand our already established Supported Runner Programme to enable disabled people to participate in shorter community runs, and to adapt the model to support disabled people into other sports.

We are looking for a proactive, confident and dynamic individual to help us set up and deliver new mentoring and supported sports projects to enable disabled people to get involved in physical activity in their communities. You will join our small creative and supportive team within an empowering, values-led organisation that is person-centred and ambitious to empower disabled people.

We are looking for someone with significant experience of delivering projects at a community level, recruiting and supporting volunteers and project beneficiaries. You will be able to work independently, take initiative and achieve results. You will keep up to date with developments in the disability and sports sectors in order to inform the development or our projects and ensure we are seeking opportunities for partnerships and funding. You will work confidently with a wide range of individuals and stakeholder groups, including disabled people, volunteers, community groups, disability organisations and local services.

Project Officer – Job description

Job Title: Project Officer

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Responsible for: No staff; volunteers as appropriate

Location: Home based, with travel where required within England and Wales

Hours: Part time 3 days or 22.5 hours per week

Flexibility: Flexible working hours are available. The role will require some evenings and weekend work.

Length of contract: Permanent

Salary range: £30,000 – 33,000 depending on experience (pro rata)

Project set up and delivery

• Develop and implement project plans that incorporate KPIs, milestones and responsibilities, ensuring deadlines are met and plans amended as appropriate.
• Develop effective systems, policies and procedures to support project delivery.
• Carry out administrative tasks and maintain accurate records of projects and activities.
• Deliver workshops and training sessions to volunteers and freelance mentors.
• Provide appropriate support to participants, volunteers, freelance mentors and project partners to ensure delivery of project outcomes.
• Work with the Digital Communications and Marketing Officer to develop and implement communication and social media plans to raise the profile of projects and recruit volunteers, mentors and participants.
• Work with the Digital Communications and Marketing Officer to create marketing assets and sign-up routes for projects, activities and events.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and risk management policies and processes are implemented throughout all projects, activities and events.
• Work with the CEO to set and monitor project budgets and ensure we do not exceed expenditure limits.

Stakeholder management

• Manage relationships with stakeholders, inspiring confidence, maintaining quality communications and ensuring professional representation of the Richard Whitehead Foundation. 
• Identify, develop and maintain effective partnerships with local community groups, volunteers and key partners to deliver projects.
• Develop and maintain a database of stakeholders, ensure we meet our requirements under data protection legislation.

Evaluation

• Develop and implement feedback, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to measure the impact and outcomes of projects.
• Report against KPIs, outcomes and impact measurements, providing regular updates on projects to the CEO and colleagues.
• Work with the CEO to produce insight and evaluation reports, including data and case studies for trustees, funders and stakeholders.
• Use the learning from projects to improve delivery mechanisms and to inform the development of future projects.
• Work with the Digital Communications and Marketing Officer to collect photographic and video content, quotes and testimonials for use in reports, publicity and fundraising appeals.

Other:

• Ensure all activity complies with the latest data protection legislation.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues across the Richard Whitehead Foundation.
• Attend internal and external meetings and represent the Richard Whitehead Foundation at events, where required.
• Attend occasional out of hours meetings or events as required.
• Promote and support diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace and across all projects, and ensure people’s access requirements are met.
• Abide by all our organisational (and project) policies, code of conduct and practice.

Person Specification

1. Qualities, attributes, and behaviours 

Essential

• Person centred – You work to achieve individual need and show empathy for each individual we support. You listen and value the lived experience of disabled people. 
• Dynamic - You are positive, agile, transformative, and responsive. 
• Powerful - You are bold, resilient, and hardworking to support us to achieve our ambitions for our community.
• Inclusive - You are inclusive in your actions and behaviours considering the diversity of people we are supporting. You value people from diverse backgrounds and aim to make everyone feel welcomed, and like they belong. 
• Authentic - You are honest, genuine, and transparent in your approach.

2. Experience

Essential

• Significant experience of delivering projects, including implementing project plans and working to KPIs and deadlines. 
• Experience of developing processes and policies from scratch to effectively deliver projects and to meet the needs of participants and volunteers.
• Experience recruiting and supporting individuals to participate in projects, including volunteers and members of local communities.
• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders including community groups, partner organisations and funders.
• Experience of working with disabled people, either through lived experience as a person living with an impairment or by being immersed in the disability or associated community.

Desirable

• Experience in the sport, leisure, or physical activity sector.
• Experience of working in or with the charity sector.
• Experience of mentoring or working with mentors.
• Experience of delivering training and/or workshops.

3. Skills

Essential

• Excellent organisational skills, including ability to manage multiple tasks and projects, meet competing demands and tight deadlines, and to deliver at pace.
• Ability to work independently and remotely, to plan and manage your own time, and to take the initiative to solve problems.
• Ability to work effectively with others as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain successful working relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt your communication style for different audiences. 
• IT skills with experience of using Microsoft Project, Word and Excel, or the ability to learn new software quickly.
• Analytical and methodical with acute attention to detail and the ability to display information to evaluate the impact of projects.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and ability to identify opportunities to enhance project administration processes and procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities, inclusivity and diversity and to incorporate these principles across projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people connected to the Richard Whitehead Foundation.

4. Other

Essential

• Empathy and understanding of the importance of addressing and responding to the needs of different people.
• Understanding of the barriers faced by disabled people and ways to overcome them.
• Alignment to the Richard Whitehead Foundation ambitions and values, driven by impact for the people we serve.
• Willing and available to work outside normal working hours if required.
• Ability to travel to different locations in England and Wales as required by each project.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the charity.

Benefits

• Flexible working.
• 28 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees).
• Access to company pension.
• Access to learning and development opportunities.

Safeguarding

The Richard Whitehead Foundation is committed to safeguarding and protecting the individuals we work with. As such, posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and a safe working environment.

Inclusion and diversity

The Richard Whitehead Foundation strives to engage an ability-based workforce which reflects the diverse nature of our communities. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and it is important to us that this is reflected in the people who work for us.

Application process

If you would like to be considered for this role, please forward a current CV with a supporting statement, explaining how you meet the person specification. Your application can be a video, audio, or word-based document – whatever works best for you.

Your supporting statement is such an important part of your application. We cannot make assumptions about your suitability, so the information you provide in your supporting statement is key for us for shortlisting. Please show how you meet each part of the person specification. Please use lots of examples. We are looking for evidence that you can thrive as our Project Officer.

Interviews are planned for the week commencing 20th January 2025.

Please let us know if you need us to adapt the process to best suit any needs around disability.

If you don’t hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that we are not inviting you to continue to the next phase, on this occasion.

Please note that all offers of employment will need references deemed satisfactory by The Richard Whitehead Foundation, a DBS check and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

Prison Facilitator - HMP Isle of Wight

Location: HMP Isle of Wight
Salary: £27,584
Hours: 35 hours
Department: Prison delivery
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Isle of Wight. You will be working across both sites, HMP Albany and HMP Parkhurst during your working week.  Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to improve their skills.

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Closing date: 17th December 2024. Please note, the role will close early if we find a suitable applicant.
Interviews to be held on a rolling schedule

Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.

REF-218319

ABOUT THE ROLE 

This role supports our work to run our programme by ensuring that we recruit and onboard enough volunteers to become our wonderful mentors. 

As our Volunteer Recruitment Officer, you will be the first point of contact for people volunteering to be mentors. You will ensure that our volunteers receive the highest level of customer service and have a great experience in all contacts with our charity.

Working closely with the Volunteer Operations Leader, you will implement our volunteer onboarding journey, leading on pipeline outputs to support volunteers from application to active mentoring. 

You will be organised, proactive, and personable, conducting interviews with prospective volunteer mentors, building external relationships and managing data and CRM systems.

5 days a week (35 hours) 

£28,000 per annum 

London-Based 

Accountable to: Volunteer Operations Leader 

Some weekend and evening work required, which TOIL can be claimed 

Benefits:  

• Flexible working arrangements (mostly working from home, with approximately two days a week working from the office) 

• Option for 2 Me days

• 25 days annual leave entitlement with one day accrued each year of service capped at 5 years 

• Option to swap bank holidays for other religious holidays 

• Team Socials 

• Birthdays off 

• Personal development budget

• Working in a value led organisation, where we see and share the impact we have on children every day!

Key responsibilities 

Volunteer Recruitment pipeline responsibility:  

• Respond to all incoming enquiries and volunteer applications in a timely manner and in line with the charity's recruitment processes

• Responsible for clear communication to all prospective mentors in the pipeline, always giving a high level of customer service to volunteers and answering queries in a friendly professional manner 

• Ensure every prospective mentor fully understands the benefits of volunteering with The Kids Network and has a first-class onboarding experience.

• Conduct volunteer interviews on a weekly basis to meet demand 

• Call volunteers on a regular basis to check in on their progress and supporting them with their volunteer journey

• Maintain excellent data hygiene, ensuring at all times the charities CRM salesforce is being updated to ensure the pipeline is maintained 

• Maintain the organisation vetting platform, following up with all volunteers who are stuck at various stages of the vetting checks process 

• Carry out all the training admin pre and post the training day, working with the Volunteer Operations Leader to ensure this runs smoothly with high attendance 

• Deliver weekend volunteer training alongside our Delivery Team when required.

Volunteer Recruitment Outreach responsibility: 

• Understand the communities we work in, working with the Volunteer Operations Leader to establishing links with community groups and local  opportunities to attract different demographics 

• Work with the Delivery Team Leaders to support with the organisation of mentor socials 

• Attend volunteer recruitment fairs and networking opportunities to promote volunteering with The Kids Network. 

• Follow the charity’s communication guidance and support communications work to attract and retain volunteers 

• Feed ideas into and help to create content for emails being sent to volunteers in the pipeline and potential volunteers outside the organisation

• Attend mentee and mentor group activity sessions from time to time to better understand the purpose of our work 

• Maintain our digital recruitment streams 

• Be an ambassador for The Kids Network

Safer Recruitment responsibility: 

• Assess new incoming applications in line with suitability for the role and scoring criteria 

• Vet volunteers at all stages of the recruitment process, including interview and training in line with the charities safer recruitment policy 

• Collect references and conduct DBS and oversees checks in line with our safer recruitment practices 

• Uphold our safeguarding principles and processes to the highest standard, 

• Book and coordinate safer recruitment panels throughout the year, 

• Act in compliance with our policies and processes at all times, using Salesforce CRM, ensuring data is stored and managed in line with GDPR, 

About you 

We are looking for a highly motivated, personable, strong communicator who is passionate about mentoring and volunteer recruitment. To be successful, you will be solution focused, organised, positive, proactive and creative.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION 

• Track record of managing and following processes effectively, 

• Strong organisation and administration skills, 

• Excellent relationship building skills, ideally demonstrated through work with volunteers, 

• Ability to be solution focused and self-motivating, and be accountable for your own work, 

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to communicate to a range of audiences with impact, 

• Demonstrable attention to detail, 

• Excellent IT skills with ability to use spreadsheets, emails and databases effectively,

• Non-judgemental, self-motivated, pro-active, compassionate and solution focused. 

Desirable: 

• Track record of recruiting volunteers effectively or staff in a HR setting, 

• Experience in following safeguarding processes

• Experience using Salesforce. 

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter, no more than two pages about why you are right for this role and why you want to join The Kids Network. 

Interviews will be taking place in the week commencing 13th January 2025 

The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS check. 

Safeguarding commitment

The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to go through our safer recruitment processes, including an enhanced DBS check.

Equity commitment

The Kids Network values diversity and inclusion and we have worked to create an application process that is as accessible as possible, however we still recognise that there is maybe more we can do especially for applicants who are minoritised in society, have specific accessibility needs and/or experience discrimination.

If this is the case we are both happy and open to discussing better ways to support your candidacy and make this application process as equitable as possible for you.

We are a diverse organisation and welcome everyone but it is important to note that the intersections of your identity will not increase or affect the amount of labour you are asked to do. If you wish to draw on your own lived experiences that will be both encouraged and supported but it is not nor ever will be a prerequisite of this role.

You can find out more about our commitment to anti-oppression on our website. 

Prison Facilitator - HMP Swinfen Hall

Location: Lichfield
Salary: £16,550 (£27,584 FTE)
Hours: 21 hours (3 days per week)
Department: Prison delivery
Job Type: Part time
Contract Type: Permanent

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust is delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Swinfen Hall (subject to contract award). Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

‍Interviews are planned for week commencing 6th & 13th January 2025.

Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.

REF-218517

Location: HMP Rochester
Salary: £16,550 (£27,584 FTE)
Hours: 21 hours (3 days a week)
Department: Prison delivery
Job Type: Part time
Contract Type: Permanent

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Rochester. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.

The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews are planned for 10th January 2025.

Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.

REF-218 344