Patient advocacy and policy officer jobs

Background to the role

Job description

Job Purpose

• The home and settle service works collaboratively with hospitals to support people when they are discharged from hospital to return home. You will provide temporary practical and emotional support to service users within their home and make sure they understand the care and treatment choices available to them. The service is time limited, usually up to 6 weeks, to adjust and settle back in their homes. 

Key Tasks

•  Assess the needs of service users in hospital before discharge, and in their homes, and understand what barriers and enablers there might be to moving home.
• Aid the discharge process and improve patient experience through tasks such as key cutting and co-ordinating with colleagues for the setup of the home environment.
• Provide (and/or arrange) the practical and emotional support needed to enable service users to move home and/or remain safely at home.
• Be vigilant and make referrals/signpost for additional needs that our wider team, or partners can support. E.g. for benefit checks, energy advice, carers support, befriending. 
• Help maximise service user independence by adopting an enabling approach.
• Develop a listening and caring relationship with the service user and their families/carers.
• Provide domestic practical support within the home e.g. light cleaning, washing, ironing (service user clothing only) etc.
• Prepare and service drinks and simple meals with or for the service user customer ensuring nutritional needs are met in accordance with individual support plan.
• Accompany service user outside the home e.g. hospital/GP appointments etc.
• Support customers with other tasks e.g. making telephone calls on their behalf, reading and responding to correspondence, completing simple forms (training will be provided) as directed by the customer etc.
• Ensure services provided by AUKEL in the community are safe and person centred.
• Report safeguarding concerns, in accordance with AUKEL safeguarding procedures.
• Work within AUKEL’s expectations of professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Provide cover in the case of sickness and annual leave periods of colleagues.
• Support service user reviews, ensuring all visiting information is uploaded on to AUKEL’s organisational case management system.
• Meet with volunteers to provide support and guidance.
• Work with a range of professionals including:
• Supporting health and social care professionals with patient discharge
• Liaising with the Hospital health and social care professionals to facilitate smooth supported discharge.

Administration

• Input all records, reviews, and visiting information to service user’s case notes in a timely manner to maintain up-to-date and accurate records on AUKEL’s case management system (currently Charity Log/Call-round App).
• Report all “no access” failed visits, or changes in service users’ condition or circumstances in accordance with AUKEL’s policies and procedures.
• Ensure service user comment sheets are completed.
• Support the return of Customer Comment sheets and general feedback in respect of your own service users.

Quality

• Ensure services provided in the community are delivered in line with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) principles.
• Deliver all work in line with AUKEL quality mark standards.
• Commit to undertaking the Care Certificate, if not already held or in possession of NVQ level 2.
• Complete essential training as required by AUKEL to provide safe services.

Liaison

• Work in collaboration with other agencies providing support within the customer's home.
• Work under the direction of the service manager and project officers.
• Represent AUKEL and participate in appropriate external meetings and events to remain aware of local, regional, and national issues affecting quality and compliance issues affecting care and home support services. Head of Hospital and Home Services

General

• Meet regularly with your line manager for support, supervision, and appraisal.
• Attend team and staff meetings, (and other meetings) as required.
• Undertake any other duties within the competence of the post holder as may be required from time to time for the continued smooth running of AUKEL.
• Complete any training which is required to fulfil the role.
• Carry out the duties of the post in accordance with AUKEL policies and procedures including Equal Opportunities, Mental Capacity, Deprivation of Liberty, Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, Confidentiality, Complaints, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults etc.
• Work within AUKEL’s expectations of professional boundaries and confidentiality

 Functional Links

• The post holder report to the Hospital Service Manager.
• Close working with NHS health & social care professionals.
• Close working with external partner agencies e.g. Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering, and Age UK Waltham Forest.
• Close working with AUKEL internal departments e.g. information and advice, advocacy, Take Home & Settle services, and volunteering department etc.

Person Specification

Research shows that while middle class white men tend to apply for job when they meet around 60% of the criteria, women, people from the global majority, and people from other marginalised groups that encounter systematic discrimination tend to apply only when they meet all criteria. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don’t meet every single aspect of the job description, please still apply!

Experience

Essential

• Experience of one-to-one work with vulnerable service users, including those with multiple issues and needs either through paid or unpaid position.

Desirable

• Care Certificate or CQF Diploma NVQ Level 2, or equivalent, in Health & Social Care.
• Experience of working collaboratively with external partners.

Knowledge & Understanding

Essential

• Understanding and commitment to empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
• Understanding the principles of confidentiality in practice.
• Understanding of safeguarding and when to raise a concern.
• ·Understanding of stigma and discrimination, and the impact this has on people’s lives.

Desirable

• Knowledge of local services available to adults and their carers
• Understanding of hospital discharge procedures.

Skills/Attributes

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Good English verbal and written communication skills
• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to prioritise and manage time and resources in a competent manner
• IT skills to the level of being able to use Word, email, internet, mobile phone apps and logging information on AUKEL’s CRM
• Can demonstrate AUKEL values (accountable, kind, flexible, inclusive, collaborative) in the way the service is delivered.

Desirable

• Ability to speak community languages e.g. Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, Turkish etc.
• Able to use Charity Log (CRM used by AUKEL).  Training will be provided as necessary.
• Ability to drive with use of own vehicle (mileage and essential car users will be paid).

Additional Requirements

• This post is subject to the relevant check through the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)
• Flexibility in working hours to meet organisational needs.
• The role is required travel across East London

The Vacancy

Community Builder (Community Development) – Inverness 

Salary: Up to £33,995 per annum   

Location: Remote in Inverness with travel within the UK. See the “Please Note” section below for further details.

The vacancy   

We have an exciting opportunity for a COMMUNITY BUILDER to join our Community Development team working to support local veterans to take an active role in their communities. If you believe in the power of strong, connected communities, this role is for you.  

Please see below for more information on what just might be your future role.  

About The Role  

As a Community Builder, you will be at the heart of our charity’s ambition to reach seldom-heard members of the Armed-forces Community (AFC) and engage them in creating positive action that strengthens wider connections. 

You will identify the strengths, passions and interests within the AFC, foster meaningful connections with the wider community, and utilise these to create meaningful and sustainable outcomes.  

About You  

You will be a highly motivated and dynamic individual who is passionate about collaboration and community-led change.  You will have experience of engaging and supporting people in a community, charity, education, social care, housing, youth work, or other people-focused role using a range of facilitation tools, techniques and Community Development skills. You will need experience of working in a community setting with a diverse range of people and interests. You will have good organisational skills, energy and the ability to listen, build relationships, and inspire collaboration, which will be essential in creating positive, lasting change.

We are looking for someone with:  

• A Community Development qualification and/or transferable Community Development skills and experience.

• A basic understanding of the Asset-Based Community Development approach (ABCD) is required however full support and development of this practice and our internal ways of working will be provided.    

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships that drive action.  

• A track record of successful collaboration with internal and external partners and stakeholders.  

• Effective and efficient organisational and IT skills. 

PLEASE NOTE:  

• The successful candidate will need to be based within a 30-minute commute of their allocated locality and there is a requirement to travel regularly across the wider area (travel expenses covered).  The successful candidate must possess a valid full UK driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle with business insurance for work purposes.  

• There will also be a requirement for occasional travel to other UK locations for meetings and events depending on the charity’s needs such as our annual all colleagues in person event.   

• The successful candidate will work 35 hours per week over 5 days, Monday - Sunday. Core working days will be Monday to Friday; however, flexibility is essential, as regular evening and weekend work will also be required to meet the needs of the role. Working hours will vary to ensure a total of 70 hours is covered over a two-week period, so please take this into consideration before applying.  

• The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check   

About the Team  

You’ll be joining a dynamic team of community development professionals who are passionate about supporting people to make a difference where they live. We amplify the strengths already present in communities, forge lasting partnerships and initiatives that empower members of the AFC to thrive. Together, the Community Development Managers and the Community Builders strengthen local communities using the resources and networks that are readily available.

Please see the job description for more details.  

Closing date: 9th November 2025 

Please note: We may close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of strong applications.  

The Vacancy

Community Builder (Community Development) – Portsmouth

Salary: Up to £33,995 per annum   

Location: Remote in Portsmouth with travel within the UK. See the “Please Note” section below for further details.

The vacancy   

We have an exciting opportunity for a COMMUNITY BUILDER to join our Community Development team working to support local veterans to take an active role in their communities. If you believe in the power of strong, connected communities, this role is for you.  

Please see below for more information on what just might be your future role.  

About The Role  

As a Community Builder, you will be at the heart of our charity’s ambition to reach seldom-heard members of the Armed-forces Community (AFC) and engage them in creating positive action that strengthens wider connections. 

You will identify the strengths, passions and interests within the AFC, foster meaningful connections with the wider community, and utilise these to create meaningful and sustainable outcomes.  

About You  

You will be a highly motivated and dynamic individual who is passionate about collaboration and community-led change.  You will have experience of engaging and supporting people in a community, charity, education, social care, housing, youth work, or other people-focused role using a range of facilitation tools, techniques and Community Development skills. You will need experience of working in a community setting with a diverse range of people and interests. You will have good organisational skills, energy and the ability to listen, build relationships, and inspire collaboration, which will be essential in creating positive, lasting change.

We are looking for someone with:  

• A Community Development qualification and/or transferable Community Development skills and experience.

• A basic understanding of the Asset-Based Community Development approach (ABCD) is required however full support and development of this practice and our internal ways of working will be provided.    

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships that drive action.  

• A track record of successful collaboration with internal and external partners and stakeholders.  

• Effective and efficient organisational and IT skills. 

PLEASE NOTE:  

• The successful candidate will need to be based within a 30-minute commute of their allocated locality and there is a requirement to travel regularly across the wider area (travel expenses covered).  The successful candidate must possess a valid full UK driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle with business insurance for work purposes.  

• There will also be a requirement for occasional travel to other UK locations for meetings and events depending on the charity’s needs such as our annual all colleagues in person event.   

• The successful candidate will work 35 hours per week over 5 days, Monday - Sunday. Core working days will be Monday to Friday; however, flexibility is essential, as regular evening and weekend work will also be required to meet the needs of the role. Working hours will vary to ensure a total of 70 hours is covered over a two-week period, so please take this into consideration before applying.  

• The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check   

About the Team  

You’ll be joining a dynamic team of community development professionals who are passionate about supporting people to make a difference where they live. We amplify the strengths already present in communities, forge lasting partnerships and initiatives that empower members of the AFC to thrive. Together, the Community Development Managers and the Community Builders strengthen local communities using the resources and networks that are readily available.

Please see the job description for more details.  

Closing date: 2nd November 2025 

Please note: We may close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of strong applications.  

The Vacancy

Community Builder (Community Development) – Norwich

Salary: Up to £33,995 per annum   

Location: Remote in Norwich with travel within the UK. See the “Please Note” section below for further details.

The vacancy   

We have an exciting opportunity for a COMMUNITY BUILDER to join our Community Development team working to support local veterans to take an active role in their communities. If you believe in the power of strong, connected communities, this role is for you.  

Please see below for more information on what just might be your future role.  

About The Role  

As a Community Builder, you will be at the heart of our charity’s ambition to reach seldom-heard members of the Armed-forces Community (AFC) and engage them in creating positive action that strengthens wider connections. 

You will identify the strengths, passions and interests within the AFC, foster meaningful connections with the wider community, and utilise these to create meaningful and sustainable outcomes.  

About You  

You will be a highly motivated and dynamic individual who is passionate about collaboration and community-led change.  You will have experience of engaging and supporting people in a community, charity, education, social care, housing, youth work, or other people-focused role using a range of facilitation tools, techniques and Community Development skills. You will need experience of working in a community setting with a diverse range of people and interests. You will have good organisational skills, energy and the ability to listen, build relationships, and inspire collaboration, which will be essential in creating positive, lasting change.

We are looking for someone with:  

• A Community Development qualification and/or transferable Community Development skills and experience.

• A basic understanding of the Asset-Based Community Development approach (ABCD) is required however full support and development of this practice and our internal ways of working will be provided.    

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships that drive action.  

• A track record of successful collaboration with internal and external partners and stakeholders.  

• Effective and efficient organisational and IT skills. 

PLEASE NOTE:  

• The successful candidate will need to be based within a 30-minute commute of their allocated locality and there is a requirement to travel regularly across the wider area (travel expenses covered).  The successful candidate must possess a valid full UK driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle with business insurance for work purposes.  

• There will also be a requirement for occasional travel to other UK locations for meetings and events depending on the charity’s needs such as our annual all colleagues in person event.   

• The successful candidate will work 35 hours per week over 5 days, Monday - Sunday. Core working days will be Monday to Friday; however, flexibility is essential, as regular evening and weekend work will also be required to meet the needs of the role. Working hours will vary to ensure a total of 70 hours is covered over a two-week period, so please take this into consideration before applying.  

• The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check   

About the Team  

You’ll be joining a dynamic team of community development professionals who are passionate about supporting people to make a difference where they live. We amplify the strengths already present in communities, forge lasting partnerships and initiatives that empower members of the AFC to thrive. Together, the Community Development Managers and the Community Builders strengthen local communities using the resources and networks that are readily available.

Please see the job description for more details.  

Closing date: 9th November 2025

Please note: We may close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of strong applications.  

Location: Rochester Airport, Kent
Department: Communications
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000
Hours: Full Time, Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent

We are Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), and we fight every day to save lives. We are Team KSS, a close-knit team of dedicated, skilled, sector-leading experts with an incredible level of expertise. We are passionate about what we do which drives us to always deliver our very best.

We’re driven by our purpose of saving lives and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients. Last year alone we responded to over 3,100 incidents. We are fearless and tireless in fighting to save every life.

Our charity headquarters and forward operating base are located at Rochester Airport, with our aircraft hangar and maintained at Redhill Aerodrome. When the call comes, we can reach any part of Kent, Surrey or Sussex in under 30 minutes.

Main Purpose of Role:

As Head of Media and PR, you will be a master of effective public engagement communications and storytelling, and a key member of our talented and ambitious Marketing and Communications Team. You will lead on the implementation of our Media and Public Relations strategy and be responsible for its effective delivery and ongoing integration into our wider MarComms strategy, Income Generation, Marketing and Communications Directorate (IGMC) and wider long term organisational strategy. Our directorate’s overall goal is to generate and inspire the support we need to continue saving lives every day across Kent, Surrey and Sussex now and into the future.

Inclusion and Diversity:

KSS is committed to creating an equal, diverse and truly inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and able to be their authentic selves.

We believe that everyone has the right to live without fear or prejudice, and be treated fairly, and with respect and dignity regardless of race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, social class, religion and belief.

We reserve the right to close the position early if the role is filled.

Benefits package is correct at the time this advert was published.

Benefits: 25 days annual leave rising with service Occupational/Enhanced Sick Pay Enhanced Parental Leave Access to the Blue Light Card and Blue Light Events Access to the Wellbeing Hub Group Personal Pension Scheme Group Life Assurance Cover Group Income Protection Cover Critical Illness Cover Employee Assistance Programmes Development opportunities

REF-224 409

Social Prescribing Link Worker

Are you passionate about empowering people to live healthier, happier lives? Want to be part of a multi award-winning service that’s making real change? This is your chance.

Live Well Wakefield is a community-based service that supports adults aged 18+ to improve their health, wellbeing and independence. The team is growing and we're looking for dynamic, compassionate, and motivated individuals to join our team as Social Prescribing Link Workers, working within Wakefield District Primary Care Networks.

With major developments in Primary Care and neighbourhood working, now is the perfect time to join us on this exciting journey of transformation and innovation in health and wellbeing support.

About the role

As a Social Prescribing Link Worker within Primary Care, you’ll work with Wakefield’s communities, connecting people tolocal non-medical services, support, and activities that help tackle health inequalities and improve quality of life. You’ll:

• Support people one-to-one to identify their needs, set wellbeing goals, and access community-based solutions
• Be embedded within a local Primary Care Network and work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Develop and grow strong partnerships with voluntary and community organisations, and NHS and social care services

We’re looking for individuals who:

• Are great listeners, relationship builders, and natural motivators
• Are experienced in supporting people to improve their health and wellbeing, including those with complex needs, or from diverse communities
• Are confident working independently and within multi-disciplinary teams
• Are committed to equality, inclusion, and making support accessible to all
• Have a strong understanding of health inequalities and social determinants of health
• Have excellent organisational, communication and IT skills
• Have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle

What do we offer?

In our 2025 staff survey, 100% of the team told us they enjoy working at Live Well Wakefield. “I’ve not worked anywhere assupportive as Live Well”.

• 28 days holiday a year plus bank holidays
• 5% salary contribution to a pension scheme
• Access to Occupational Health
• Access to health service discount schemes, including Blue Light Card
• A range of policies and practices to ensure a supportive and inclusive workplace
• Competitive salary and annual pay reviews

Nova Wakefield District is a local charity that supports Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations in Wakefield District. Nova and South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust deliver Live Well Wakefield, which is commissioned by Wakefield Counciland Wakefield’s seven Primary Care Networks.

We are an equal opportunities organisation and invite applications from all sections of the community. It’s important to us that everyone is welcomed and valued in our workplace, so we support staff and applicants in a number of ways.

How to apply

If you’re ready to support us in achieving our goal of creating healthier, more connected communities across Wakefield District. Whether you’re already experienced in social prescribing or passionate about community wellbeing and ready to take your next step, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note this post requires an Enhanced DBS Check to be carried out.

‍Closes: Monday 17 November 2025 at 9am
Interviews: will take place in person in Wakefield District between 26 - 28 November

At Action for ME, we believe that change won't just happen; it has to be made. That's why action and impact are at the heart of everything we do. Whether that's helping people today with support, information, or care. Or working towards securing future change through our research and campaigning work.

The intent of everything we do is to pursue positive impact for the lives, rights, and futures of people affected by ME.

More information can be found in the application pack. 

You will play a pivotal role supporting the Charity in several different ways. Working with the Senior Leadership Team, you will ensure the smooth running of the organisation, providing administrative support to the Director of Operations and the Chief Executive. As a self-starter you will manage a range of tasks such as diary management, meeting minutes, assisting with event administration and HR administration. No two days will be the same!

You will be the point of contact for our HR, recruitment and training systems, ensuring consistency and assurance across the organisation. You will support HR administration such as supporting recruitment, on-boarding and off-boarding of colleagues as well as taking minutes for Board meetings, so you will need to be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

As a team player, you will provide comprehensive, confidential and sensitive people-orientated administration support, developing a deep understanding of our organisation, our work and build strong, effective working relationships with colleagues.

Remote working at home can be challenging for some and for others, it works incredibly well. You will need to be able to work on your own, use your own initiative and ensure you are proactive in maintain good levels of communication and contact with your colleagues to ensure we deliver the best service possible to people with ME. 

NO AGENCIES PLEASE 

Senior Events and Membership Co-ordinator 

Salary: £32,640 (pro-rata) / 17.5 - 35 hours per week (both part-time and full-time options considered)

Job location: Central London and remote working – we are currently operating hybrid working and we ask employees to attend our London office with their core team for one day every two weeks, as well as other occasional key events such as away days, inductions and training that are more effective in person. 

• Do you want to take the next step in your career at The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing, a highly successful national community nursing charity?

• Are you hardworking, flexible, highly organised and efficient? 

• Are you reliable, with excellent attention to detail? 

• Do you have office administration experience?

The QICN is the oldest professional nursing charity in the world and is a leading voice for nurses working in the community.  Our values of excellence, inclusivity, partnership, independence, advocacy, legacy and integrity underpin the charity’s strategic plan 2021-2025, which is included in the Job Pack .

The Senior Events and Membership Co-ordinator has key responsibility for supporting our Organisational Membership alongside the Events Manager and the Head of Commercial Operations to ensure work is covered by the wider team and to act as a central point of contact for partners and clients.

The Events Team is a key core team led by the Head of Commercial Operations, responsible for ensuring that support is provided to the QICN’s core programmes of work including the organisational membership, CPD events and various programmes.

The role will also include several additional co-ordinator duties as part of the wider team, which is expected to work flexibly to cover the requirements of the organisation.

The post holder will require the ability to work in a fast-paced response environment with a high level of efficiency and the ability to take initiative. Essential is the ability to manage, balance and prioritise several one-off tasks, while ensuring critical routine tasks still take place. While not a key prerequisite for the role, project management would be a skill that would be expected to be developed.

Responsibilities

• Acting as a key point of contact for existing and new membership enquiries 

• Working with the Head of Commercial Operations to track key deliverables within the membership and ensuring the maintenance of accurate records.

• Ensuring the issuing of invoices and supporting the Director of Finance with chasing payments and tracking payments

• Writing and editing newsletters to improve membership engagement

• Ensuring appropriate updating of the CRM and events management software and liaising with the communications team.

• Tracking key statistics on member engagement and attendee numbers

• Overseeing the coordination and administration of several QICN professional networks. 

• Supporting the Network Lead with outreach to potential network members. 

• Preparation of online and in-person meetings (creating Zoom events, booking venues, setting online registration pages, sending out joining instructions, overseeing attendance list, preparation of materials, liaising with attendees and speakers, assistance on the day). 

Person Specification

• Minimum of five years’ experience of working in a coordination, support or administrative environment

• Experience of working with senior stakeholders 

• High level of digital literacy (MS Office, MailChimp, Eventbrite, Zoom)

• Experience of using CRM packages to manage, distribute, and update work

• Experience of organising events/workshops

• Experience of financial administration

• Experience in writing newsletter and promotional materials

• Detail oriented

• Good problem-solving and communication skills 

• Highly organised and methodical approach to managing workload, including competing deadlines 

• Able to work on own initiative and deliver timely, high-quality results

Desirable

• Experience in working in the healthcare sector

• Experience working with organisational members or high value clients

For the full Job Description and Person Specification, please refer to the Job Pack.

We are dedicated to the continual professional development of our employees and offer access to training opportunities.

We offer 25 days’ holiday per year (pr-rata for part time roles) plus up to 10% employer contribution to pension scheme and interest-free season ticket loans.

Closing date:   Monday 3 November, 5pm

Interviews:       Monday 17 November, online via Teams

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted after the closing date.

Charity no: 213128