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The National Safeguarding Policy and Development Manager will provide strategic leadership and manage a team focused on developing and implementing safeguarding policies for the Church of England Central Services.
As the National Policy Development Manager, you will play a crucial role in the National Safeguarding Team, offering strategic guidance and managing a team of policy professionals. Reporting to the Deputy Director for Development, you will be an integral part of the NST Leadership Team. This role demands substantial experience in senior-level safeguarding work, public speaking, and complex policy writing.
1. To operate at a strategic level, providing expert advice and guidance to senior church leaders, including the Deputy Director for Development on matter of policy and policy development.
2. To lead a team who manages and review effective processes for the development and implementation of a range of national safeguarding policies, codes of practice and guidance, including the development of project plans for policy development and implementation based on sound project management principles.
3. To coordinate the policy team to ensure they undertake the necessary policy and guidance development arising from the implementation of national reviews of the Church, including but not exclusive to: the investigation carried out by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse into the Anglican Church (2020), the review led by Keith Makin in relation to the late John Smyth QC (2024) and the Charity Commission (England and Wales) Regulatory Action Plan for the Archbishops Council (2025).
4. To ensure that the policy team work collaboratively and engage all relevant stakeholders in the policy development and implementation process, including survivors, relevant lead bishops, clergy, church working groups, Regional Safeguarding Leads, Diocesan Safeguarding Officers / Cathedral Safeguarding Officers, including through the establishment of project working groups.
5. To ensure that engagement takes place with technical / functional experts relevant to the policy field, including academics, legal advisors, HR experts, and data protection officers, as well as researching the evidence base for the policy area, ensuring consistency with national, canon and ecclesiastical law and policy.
6. Ensuring the policy produced by the policy team is relevant to all parts of the Church, in particular: dioceses, parishes, cathedrals, religious communities and Theological Educational Institutions, and is informed by learning from within the Church (e.g. from Safeguarding Practice Reviews and diocesan / national audits).
7. Overseeing the work undertaken with relevant stakeholders to develop implementation plans for new and revised policies.
8. Working with NST colleagues at a leadership level to support a cycle of learning and review for national safeguarding policy.
9. Following governance processes for the approval of new and amended policies, including the preparation of timely, appropriate papers and reports for the National Safeguarding Steering Group, National Safeguarding Panel, General Synod and others.
10. Leading work to engage with other departments and working parties across the NCIs to ensure that their work and initiatives reflect national safeguarding policy.
11. Overseeing the safeguarding e- manual, including the maintenance and support contract and ensuring that it is kept up to date.
12. Working with Legal and other relevant functions to amend canon and ecclesiastical legislation relevant to safeguarding, by developing policy instructions, and supporting consultation and the drafting of new or revised legislation.
13. Building relationships and working with survivor groups and individual survivors, and colleagues in the NST:
* to ensure that the survivor perspective is present in safeguarding policies.
* to ensure that the survivor perspective is present in other areas of development and activity such as safeguarding training and quality assurance.
14. Effectively lead a policy team to prepare briefings, responding to and contributing to communications, and answering queries from dioceses and other Church Bodies on relevant aspects of safeguarding policy.
15. This role has line management responsibility for a small team of Policy Officers and a Policy Lead.
16. Represent the National Safeguarding Team Senior Leadership Team at strategic and governance meetings, deputising when necessary.
This is a fixed-term contract ending on 31st May 2027.
Closing Date - 25th August at 5pm.
Essential
Skills/Aptitudes:
1. Able to operate at a senior level, providing a strategic overview on policy matters.
2. Able to effectively line manage a small staff team, providing reflective supervision which enables the individual to professionally develop.
3. Able to build effective, trusting influential relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, at all levels.
4. Able to lead and manage complex projects through all stages including at a national level
5. Able to develop project plans based on sound project and change management principles.
6. Able to lead and facilitate project groups, ensuring they deliver the outcome required.
7. Able to communicate complex ideas succinctly and clearly in writing for a range of audiences.
8. Ability to analyse and summarise large amounts of complex written information from a range of sources and turn into meaningful policy.
9. Able to speak in public to large groups of people in an impactful and engaging way.
10. Ability to communicate with survivors and people of all backgrounds effectively both in written form and verbally.
Knowledge/Experience:
1. Experience of working at a senior level in a complex safeguarding environment.
2. Experience of line managing a team of individuals in order to get the best from them.
3. Experience in safeguarding of children and/or adults and policy and guidance development in the safeguarding sector.
4. Experience of producing clear, effective national policy and guidance for a range of audiences.
5. Knowledge of national safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and policy (e.g. Children Acts, Care Act, Working Together, criminal justice legislation) both current and historical as relevant to non-recent abuse.
6. Knowledge of latest research and practice developments in the safeguarding field.
7. Experience of working across departments and organisations to support strategic policy development, delivering projects that have measurable impacts.
8. Experience of analysis and effective communication of safeguarding recommendations and findings.
9. Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders including senior officials.
10. Experience of engaging with children, young people and adults at risk.
11. Experience of working with survivors of abuse.
12. An understanding and application of trauma-informed theory, approaches and practice.
Personal Attributes:
1. Able to inspire the trust, confidence and commitment of others.
2. Personal authority, gravitas and confidence - able to influence and persuade at all levels and with a range of stakeholders.
3. Relational: expert in valuing and managing relationships with others as the means of delivering change. Emotionally intelligent.
4. Politically astute - understanding, and managing successfully, organisational politics.
5. Principled - strong value base and commitment to doing the right thing.
6. Brave - willing to challenge others constructively and to be self-reflexive, welcoming feedback.
7. In sympathy with the aims of the Church of England
Desirable
1. Experience of safeguarding quality assurance and inspection / audit processes.
2. Knowledge of how safeguarding operates in the Church of England.
3. Understanding of Church of England national structures and policies.
4. Experience of co-production with adults with lived experience.
Education:
Degree level or equivalent experience.
The Church of England’s vocation is and always has been to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ afresh in each generation to the people of England.



Role: Oil and Gas Campaign Manager
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Location: Hybrid working. Cornwall or London office three days per week, home working two days per week.
Job Purpose
The Oil and Gas Campaign Manager will manage and deliver our campaign to end new oil and gas drilling in UK waters, and drive forward our Ocean Alliance Against Offshore Drilling, a coalition of over 70 organisations united behind this goal.
Reporting to the Head of Campaigns, this role will be responsible for the design and practical delivery of innovative, engaging, and clear campaign plans to meet Oceana’s goals to deliver an end to new oil and gas drilling in UK waters.
Eligible candidates should have proven experience in managing and delivering complex public campaigns to drive national policy change. They must be passionate, and able to develop and implement creative and bold campaign activities, alongside our small but experienced team.
The position will be hybrid, based three days per week (Tues-Thurs) in Oceana’s UK offices in Newquay, Cornwall or Paddington, London. Regular national, and occasional international, travel will be required to meet team members and stakeholders in geographically diverse locations, including: Washington, DC.
Responsibilities
Develop, manage and deliver Oceana UK’s Oil and Gas campaigns, taking responsibility for their quality, timeliness and success.
Contribute and advise on campaign strategies through annual planning and budgeting process, and through on-going detailed project planning.
Design and manage delivery of all of Oceana UK’s Oil and Gas campaign activities, including (but not limited to) campaign actions and launches, public mobilisations, digital actions, NGO partnerships and allies, coalitions and potential legal challenges.
Plan all projects in detail, securing approval of all details, and documenting clear methodology, roles, responsibilities, and timelines in advance.
Oversee the successful management of the Ocean Alliance Against Offshore Drilling, growing the alliance in number and impact.
Manage the campaign calendar and budget, ensuring that all campaign deliverables are managed and delivered on time and to budget, with any updates accurately reflected in the quarterly reforecast process.
Monitor and evaluate progress against plans, ensuring effective delivery of campaign objectives.
Work with Science and Research colleagues to ensure that the Oil and Gas campaigns have scientifically robust foundations and evidence.
Work with Policy colleagues to ensure campaign plans deliver effective lobbying and advocacy toward our goals, including through drafting briefings and letters, meeting and engaging decision makers, planning and attending events, and responding to consultations.
Support the Communications team to ensure our campaigning plans and delivery are effectively reflected to engage supporters and other relevant audiences.
In collaboration with the Communications team, manage consultants to design and deliver creative, digital, and design assets in support of campaign actions.
Collaborate internally with UK Leadership Team and other relevant colleagues, including internationally, taking on board all relevant input, to ensure strong campaign impact.
Commission and manage consultants to deliver campaign activities and events.
Build strong external relationships and represent Oceana UK to ensure we advance our campaign goals with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil servants, politicians, NGOs, and businesses.
Be spokesperson for these campaigns, representing Oceana externally in the media, social media, events, relevant networks, with partners, and in meetings.
Line manage the Oil and Gas Campaign Officer, offering day-to-day support and learning, as well as longer term career development.
Be present in person in the London or Cornwall office 3 days per week (Tues-Thurs), promoting a positive working culture.
Help to draft timely, accurate and compelling funder and supporter reporting.
Ensure a strong commitment to the organisation's values and vision, as set out by Oceana globally.
Travel occasionally, both nationally and internationally, to meet with team members and wider internal and external stakeholders.
Other responsibilities as appropriate and necessary to achieve campaign and organisational objectives.
Candidate Requirements
Education and work experience:
At least 5 years of professional experience in campaigning, ideally toward ocean or environmental goals (essential).
Experience managing environmental protection or energy related campaigns in the UK, with an understanding of the main issues, processes and stakeholders involved.
Experience turning complex policy issues into innovative and engaging campaigns.
Degree or masters in a related field (preferred).
Line management experience.
Skills and knowledge:
Familiarity with energy and environmental regulations, legislation and policies in the UK, as well as with the key institutions and decision-making processes.
Proficiency at understanding and distilling complex scientific issues for campaigning purposes.
Excellent understanding of UK parliamentary and political processes and engaging in them for campaign advancement
Excellent project management skills, with demonstrable experience managing and prioritising multiple workstreams, tasks, projects and timelines effectively.
Attention to detail and a commitment to quality and impactful campaign outputs.
Excellent management skills, and proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Excellent relationship building and stakeholder management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with staff and with other organisations and allies.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organise, analyse, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
Good understanding of the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and a proven commitment to improving these in the environmental space.
Excellent communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to speak confidently in the media and at events.
Integrity and the ability to work with confidential information with discretion.
Application Deadline: 9 September 2026
Interviews: From 17 September 2026
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Providence Row works with people experiencing homelessness and insecure housing in East London. We provide integrated support across crisis intervention, advice, health, substance use, volunteering, learning and training.
Our work is grounded in compassion, respect, inclusiveness, empowerment and justice. We aim to ensure that people can access the support and opportunities they need to build greater safety, stability and independence.
About the Progression & Training Service
The Progression & Training Service supports clients to identify and take practical steps towards learning, volunteering, training and employment. Through one-to-one coaching, group learning, digital inclusion, vocational training and partnerships with external organisations, the service helps clients build skills, confidence and access to meaningful progression opportunities.
The service works closely with Providence Row’s wider teams, including Catering Training, Gardening, Volunteering, Health Inclusion and Advice and Support, to provide coordinated pathways that reflect each client’s goals, strengths and circumstances.
Role purpose
The Progression & Training Manager is responsible for the leadership, quality, performance and development of the service.
The postholder will lead the team, oversee client progression pathways, maintain strong partnerships and ensure that the service delivers high-quality, trauma-informed and strengths-based support. They will also be responsible for performance monitoring, reporting, safeguarding, service improvement and the effective use of resources.
Key Responsibilities
Benefits
To apply: Please upload your CV with a covering letter, detailing how you meet the job specification. CV’s without a covering letter will not be considered.
Research shows some people, especially women and marginalised groups, may hesitate to apply unless they match all the criteria. However, we want to assure everyone that we encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of whether they fulfil every point in the job description. Your unique perspective matters to us – please apply with confidence.
Interviews
Please note that we may interview on a rolling basis and therefore encourage early applications.
Providence Row is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales; company number 07452798 registered charity number 1140192.
We tackle the root causes of homelessness to help people get off, and stay off, the streets.



We are looking for a policy adviser to work primarily in our resource stewardship theme to help deliver ambitious leadership for the environment. You will also have opportunities to work on projects in our Legislation & Governance unit.
Using your strong research and strong communication skills, you will contribute to work that shapes the future of circular economy policy and environmental legislation in the UK. Collaborating with colleagues across the organization, including in comms and politics, you will help identify compelling evidence, stories, and projects to drive better use of resources in the UK and will secure support for projects and policy proposals by building relationships with politicians and policymakers, environmental NGOs and community groups, business partners and other stakeholders.
This is a varied role that will also include project management to ensure effective delivery, including ensuring outputs and events are effectively planned and executed to deadline and to a high quality.
You will need to understand, or be willing to learn about, the political and environmental policy contexts we work in and the state of resources policy and wider environmental legislation in the UK.
Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Policy Engagement Manager - 12-month Fixed Term Contract
At The National Lottery Community Fund we are passionate about strengthening communities and improving lives.We are driven by our strategy, ‘It starts with community’ and its four community-led missions, as well as our equity-based approach to tackling poverty, discrimination and disadvantage.
To help us in supporting communities in Northern Ireland, we are now looking for a motivated Policy Engagement Manager with a strong understanding of the social policy context in Northern Ireland, and the environment in which our grantholders operate. You will play a key role in shaping and strengthening our engagement with government, voluntary and community sector organisations, and funding partners. Working closely with the Head of Policy Engagement in Northern Ireland, you will help build influential relationships, provide strategic policy insight, and ensure that the experiences of communities inform our funding and development priorities. You will play a key role in enabling the Fund to use our insight, position and influence in Northern Ireland to celebrate and promote the power and expertise of communities.
Key Responsibilities
As Policy Engagement Manager, you will be an excellent relationship-builder with a strong understanding of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. You will be comfortable working across complex stakeholder environments and translating policy developments into practical insight, including providing insight and policy context to inform medium and long-term funding initiatives across the UK.
You will develop a thorough understanding of the policy environment relating to our four community-led missions and our commitment to addressing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage through an equity-based approach.
You will maintain a broad understanding of the policy and social context in which our grantholders operate, convening grantholders and stakeholders to explore shared challenges and opportunities. We’re looking for someone who is values-driven, passionate about the Fund’s purpose and deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We invite you to join our team and contribute your skills and experience to creating lasting change for communities and society.
Regular travel around Northern Ireland is expected, as well as some travel to other parts of the UK to connect with colleagues. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and an excellent all-round benefits package.
Interview Details:
Date: 1 October 2026
Format: In Person
Location: Belfast - We have a hybrid approach to working
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the recruitment team.
For any questions about the recruitment process, please email the recruitment team
How to apply:
Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application.
Essential criteria
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.
We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)
It starts with community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Policy Engagement Manager - 12-month Fixed Term Contract
At The National Lottery Community Fund we are passionate about strengthening communities and improving lives. We are driven by our strategy, ‘It starts with community’ and its four community-led missions, as well as our equity-based approach to tackling poverty, discrimination and disadvantage.
To help us in supporting our communities in Wales, we are now looking for a motivated Policy Engagement Manager with a strong understanding of the social policy context, and the environment in which our grantholders operate. You will play a key role in shaping and strengthening our engagement with government, voluntary and community sector organisations, and funding partners. Working closely with the Head of Policy and Engagement in Wales, you will help build influential relationships, provide strategic policy insight, and ensure that the experiences of communities inform our funding and development priorities. You will play a key role in enabling the Fund to use our insight, position and influence in Wales to celebrate and promote the power and expertise of communities.
Key Responsibilities
As Policy Engagement Manager, you will be an excellent relationship-builder with a strong understanding of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. You will be comfortable working across complex stakeholder environments and translating policy developments into practical insight, including providing insight and policy context to inform medium and long-term funding initiatives across the UK.
You will develop a thorough understanding of the policy environment relating to our four community-led missions and our commitment to addressing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage through an equity-based approach.
You will maintain a broad understanding of the political and social context in which our grantholders operate, convening grantholders and stakeholders to explore shared challenges and opportunities. We’re looking for someone who is values-driven, passionate about the Fund’s purpose and deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We invite you to join our team and contribute your skills and experience to creating lasting change for communities and society.
Regular travel around Wales is expected, as well as some travel to other parts of the UK to connect with colleagues. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and an excellent all-round benefits package.
The successful candidate must have an understanding of Welsh language legislation and the Welsh Language Standards of the Fund. Ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable.
Interview Details:
Date: 21 September 2026
Format: In Person
Location: Cardiff, Wales
Our office is in Cardiff, but we are flexible about location within Wales. We have a hybrid approach to working.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the recruitment team.
For any questions about the recruitment process, please email the recruitment team.
How to apply:
Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application.
Essential criteria
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.
We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)
It starts with community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Policy Engagement Manager - 12-month Fixed Term Contract
At The National Lottery Community Fund we are passionate about strengthening communities and improving lives. We are driven by our strategy, ‘It starts with community’ and its four community-led missions, as well as our equity-based approach to tackling poverty, discrimination and disadvantage.
To help us in supporting communities in Scotland, we are now looking for a motivated Policy Engagement Manager with a strong understanding of the social policy context in Scotland, and the environment in which our grantholders operate. You will play a key role in shaping and strengthening our engagement with government, voluntary and community sector organisations, and funding partners. Working closely with the Head of Policy Engagement in Scotland, you will help build influential relationships, provide strategic policy insight, and ensure that the experiences of communities inform our funding and development priorities. You will play a key role in enabling the Fund to use our insight, position and influence in Scotland to celebrate and promote the power and expertise of communities.
Key Responsibilities
As Policy Engagement Manager, you will be an excellent relationship-builder with a strong understanding of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. You will be comfortable working across complex stakeholder environments and translating policy developments into practical insight, including providing insight and policy context to inform medium and long-term funding initiatives across the UK.
You will develop a thorough understanding of the policy environment relating to our four community-led missions and our commitment to addressing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage through an equity-based approach.
You will maintain a broad understanding of the policy and social context in which our grantholders operate, convening grantholders and stakeholders to explore shared challenges and opportunities. We’re looking for someone who is values-driven, passionate about the Fund’s purpose and deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We invite you to join our team and contribute your skills and experience to creating lasting change for communities and society.
Regular travel around Scotland is expected, as well as some travel to other parts of the UK to connect with colleagues. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and an excellent all-round benefits package.
Interview Details
Date: 17th September 2026
Format: In Person
Location: Glasgow - We have a hybrid approach to working.
We will be hosting a briefing session on Wednesday 26th August at 1 pm. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the role, gain insight into the team and key responsibilities, and ask any questions you may have. To register or ask any questions please email the recruitment team.
How to apply:
Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application.
Essential Criteria
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.
We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)
It starts with community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Who we are
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.
What you’ll do
Reports to: Chief Executive
Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders)
We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.
Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.
You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.
This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.
Who are we looking for?
You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.
You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.
Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.
IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.
What we can offer you
To apply
Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.
Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.
First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE.
We help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Governance Manager
Permanent Opportunity
35 hours per week, how, flexible Working Patterns can be considered
Location: Craven Street, London with hybrid working
Salary: £43,813 per annum (based on 35 hour week) plus competitive benefits
The College of Optometrists is the professional body for optometry. It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and development to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care. We promote excellence through the College’s affixes, by building the evidence base for optometry, and raising awareness of the profession with the public, commissioners, and healthcare professionals.
We are looking for a Governance Manager to join our Chief Executive’s team. This is a high profile management role which will lead and develop the governance and stakeholder management of the College and provide the support and insights to enable the Chief Executive to lead the College with maximum impact, effectiveness and efficiency.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the key purpose of the role will be to:
• Ensure the College’s governance arrangements support effective decision making, accountability and regulatory compliance.
• Provide strategic governance support to enable the Chief Executive to lead the College with maximum impact, effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ensure the effective governance and efficient operation of the College’s Council, Board and Committees, in line with its Royal Charter, charity law, regulatory requirements and good governance principles.
• Establish and maintain effective business systems and procedures within the Chief Executive’s Department including supporting the development, monitoring and reporting of the College’s business plan and strategic plan.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with those within the College’s governance structure to support delivery of its strategic objectives.
The main responsibilities for the role holder will be to:
• Ensure the College’s governance arrangements operate effectively and in accordance with its Royal Charter, regulatory requirements and recognised good governance principles.
• Develop, maintain and report on the Governance workstream key performance indicators and wider College KPI framework.
• Deveolop and maintain the College’s strategic plan reporting framework.
• Oversee the preparation and distribution of agendas and papers for Board and Council undertaken by the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive
• Manage the governance arrangements of the Annual Gneeral Meeting and election and appointment of Council members, Officers, Trustees, Committee Chairs and the early Career Representative on Council.
• Support and develop Council in their role as regional representatives and advocates for the College.
• Lead the co-ordination of the College’s stakeholder engagement, ensuring a consistent, responsive and professional experience across the College.
• Develop and manage the ongoing delivery of an effective cross-College stakeholder management process.
• Line manage and develop the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive.
• Manage the annual budget for the College’s governance activities.
To be considered for this vacancy, candidates will need to demonstrate:
• Excellent interpersonal skills including experience of working with senior level management
• Experience of managing election processes and governance procedures within a membership organisation
• Experience of managing organisation-wide projects.
• Experience of developing KPIs and operating procedures.
• Experience of stakeholder management.
• Good level of knowledge of relevant charity governance legislation
• Excellent time management and planning skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience of report writing, minute taking and processing numerical data
• Excellent MS Office; Teams, Word, Outlook, Excel and Powerpoint skills.
In addition you will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
• Pro-activity
• Influencing & persuading
• Customer service
• Confidentiality and integrity
• Attention to detail
• Reliablility
• Planning and organising – managing multiple projects and tasks.
A copy of the full job description summarising the key activities and full list of essential requirements can be downloaded from the website.
In return, we offer a variety of benefits including a generous pension plan (10% employer contribution), life assurance and a health care cash plan. The College has a TOIL policy and provides time off for events taking place during the evening and weekends. There is also potential to progress to a range maximum of £53,038 under our performance based/market driven incremental scheme.
If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an up to date CV along with a brief covering letter that sets out the skills and experience you consider would make you suitable for this position, no later than 27 August 2026.
First Interview will take place on 04 Septemebr 2026 at our offices in Craven St.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview, which will include:
• A 10-minute presentation (details will be provided in advance).
• A competency-based interview
Equality and inclusion
The College is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to avoiding unlawful discrimination. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, valuing the differences that a diverse workforce brings to the organisation. In support of this we follow a fair recruitment process in which shortlisting and other recruitment decisions are made on the basis of skills, competencies and experience demonstrated in the application and interview process.
If you require a reasonable adjustment to be made to support your application due to a disability or other condition, please let us know.
Additional Information
• Typical working hours at the College are 9 am to 5 pm (7 hours, excluding lunch) working five days a week. We operate a flexible working window from 8 am to 6 pm where you can vary your start and end time (working a 7-hour day). This role is flexible and can be worked over a variety of working patterns.
• The post holder may on occasion be required to work late and should therefore have some flexibility with regard to working hours. There will be occasional overnight stays for some meetings and events in London and across the UK.
• We also offer hybrid working (a mixture of home and office working). Typically, College staff will work around 20%- 40% of their time at the workplace (whether this is the office at Craven St, or a face-to-face meeting, exam or event at another business-related site or organisation) per week.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Worker Support Centre (WSC) is a Scottish charity working in partnership with migrant workers at risk of exploitation across Scotland to secure their rights, challenge labour exploitation, build collective power, and drive lasting law and policy change. We are an evidence-led, worker-driven organisation with strong governance and a growing track record of policy impact. We're building a movement of people who welcome all workers, working towards a world where we are all safe, valued and respected at work — no matter our job or nationality.
WSC operates a worker-driven structure that places migrant workers at the centre of our governance and decision-making. We deliver casework alongside worker-led organising and policy advocacy, supporting migrant workers in seasonal agriculture and social care to meet basic needs and to understand and exercise their rights, including through our Worker Power programme, which builds solidarity between workers and within communities.
This is a new, senior role bringing together fundraising and communications leadership at WSC. The Fundraising and Communications Manager will lead the strategic direction for both functions, with a particular emphasis on hands-on delivery of fundraising activity — building relationships with trusts, corporate partners and individual donors, and securing the income that underpins WSC's growth.
On the communications side, the postholder will set strategy, editorial direction and quality standards, working closely with and line managing the Communications and Movement Building Officer, who leads day-to-day content and campaign delivery. This is a role for someone who can operate strategically with the Executive Director and Board while remaining close to the detail of funding applications, donor relationships and income targets.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
● Lead the development and delivery of an integrated Fundraising and Communications strategy that grows WSC's income and public profile in support of organisational goals.
● Advise the Executive Director and Board of Trustees on income generation, funding risk, and public positioning.
● Own annual fundraising and communications targets, budgets and KPIs, reporting regularly on progress.
● Work collaboratively with the team on both fundraising and communications work.
Fundraising (primary delivery focus)
● Lead on identifying, cultivating and securing funding from trusts, foundations, corporate partners and grant-making bodies, with hands-on responsibility for research, applications and relationship management.
● Develop diversified income streams, including individual giving, community fundraising and philanthropic support.
● Write and submit compelling funding proposals and grant applications, working closely with the Executive Director and programme colleagues to develop a strong case for support and evidence impact.
● Build and maintain funder relationships, including stewardship, reporting deadlines and site visits.
● Maintain the funder pipeline, income tracking and forecasting, and provide regular financial reporting to the Executive Director.
● Ensure fundraising activity complies with charity governance, fundraising regulation and data protection requirements.
Communications (strategic oversight and delegated delivery)
● Set the strategic direction for WSC's communications, ensuring it amplifies the voices of migrant workers and supports movement-building, policy influence and fundraising goals.
● Develop streams of work specifically targeting Scottish Government pledges on areas including fair work, human trafficking, migrant integration, housing and poverty, working with policy colleagues to shape public messaging.
● Provide direction, editorial oversight and quality assurance for content produced by the Strategic Communications Officer, including the website, social media, press, newsletters and campaign materials.
● Act as WSC's senior media contact, and through the Strategic Communications Officer ensure appropriate relationships are built with journalists to secure profile-raising opportunities on migrant worker rights, fair work and labour exploitation.
● Ensure consistent brand, tone of voice and values-led, worker-centred storytelling across all communications channels.
● Oversee communications that support fundraising campaigns, donor communications and public engagement.
Line Management
● Line manage the Communications and Movement Building Officer, including regular supervision, goal-setting and professional development.
● Support the Strategic Communications Officer to deliver day-to-day content, campaigns and movement-building communications activity in line with agreed strategy.
● Manage freelancers, agencies or consultants (for example design, digital or PR support) as required.
Governance & Reporting
● Ensure compliance with fundraising, charity, data protection (GDPR) and safeguarding legislation across fundraising and communications activity.
● Maintain accurate fundraising and communications databases (CRM, Mailchimp and similar), and provide regular reporting and analysis to the Executive Director and Board.
● Support the Executive Director and Board in reporting income and impact to funders, trustees and other stakeholders.
● Participate in the WSC Senior Management Team, helping review alignment of WSC’s work with strategic vision.
Participation & Values
● Champion WSC's worker-driven governance model, ensuring workers' voices lead our fundraising and communications narratives.
● Collaborate with policy, casework and operations colleagues to align fundraising, communications and organisational priorities.
● Co-produce fundraising and communications outputs with workers, prioritising their voices, interests and concerns.
● Actively contribute to a values-led, inclusive and collaborative working culture.
Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and experience
Significant experience in fundraising, with a demonstrable track record of securing income from trusts, corporate partners and/or individual donors (Essential)
Experience developing and delivering fundraising and communications strategies (Essential)
Experience writing successful funding proposals, grant applications and funder reports (Essential)
Strong track record in communications, with experience overseeing brand, messaging and multi-channel content (Essential)
Experience managing staff (Essential)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences (Essential)
Experience of budget setting, monitoring and income forecasting (Essential)
Understanding of charity governance, fundraising regulation and data protection (GDPR) (Essential)
Experience using a CRM or donor database and digital communications tools (e.g. Mailchimp) (Essential)
Knowledge of, or strong interest in, labour rights, migrant rights and/or human rights issues (Essential)
Knowledge of accessible and inclusive communications, and values-led, ethical storytelling (Essential)
Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities (Essential)
Experience of media relations and press office activity (Essential)
Desirable experience:
Direct experience of migrant worker rights, labour exploitation or related sectors
Experience managing external agencies, freelancers or consultants
Media trained
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising
Lived experience of precarious work and/or the immigration system
Intermediate level or above of languages spoken by workers WSC partners with, e.g. Russian, Filipino.
Qualifications
● Advanced level degree or equivalent professional experience in Fundraising, Communications, Marketing, or a related field (Essential).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Policy Officer
Salary: £43,099 plus excellent benefits
Contract type: Permanent, full time
Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week. All staff are required to work in person for a minimum of two days per week, in line with our hybrid working policy. The post-holder may be required to undertake some work outside normal working hours.
About the Health Foundation
Health is our most precious asset. Good health enables us to live happy, fulfilling lives, fuels our prosperity and helps build a stronger society. Yet good health remains out of reach for too many people in the UK, and health and care services are struggling to provide access to timely, high-quality care.
The Health Foundation is an independent charitable organisation with a mission to build a healthier UK. We work to achieve this by generating high quality research and analysis; developing practical solutions to the biggest problems in health and health services; engaging, convening and building coalitions to build understanding, inform debate and drive action; and developing the long-term capability needed to transform health and care.
Our values
We expect everyone who works with us to be committed to our values and to share our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation. Our values are impact, evidence, integrity, and collaboration. You can read more about them in our five-year strategy. We also expect everyone to share our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation and to help deliver our EDI strategy.
About the role
There are 2 Policy Officer roles in the Health and Care Policy team available. The team focuses on shaping the future of the health and social care system in the UK to ensure the best care for all, by supporting more evidence-informed policy and decision-making. One officer will work across a range of thematic areas, and one will focus initially on technology and AI, with the opportunity to work across other areas further down the line. The Policy Officer will work on a mix of short and longer-term projects, including supporting in-house policy analysis and research, as well as helping to scope and develop ideas for externally commissioned research. This will involve a range of different approaches, including synthesising qualitative and quantitative research evidence; analysing policy documents and grey literature; qualitative methods such as key informant interviews and thematic analysis; and other approaches involved in policy-focused research. The Policy Officer will help write and contribute to external publications, including briefings, blogs, and longer Health Foundation reports. They will also support the team to bring together policymakers and others in events, meetings, workshops, and other activities to inform and influence thinking and decisions. Key responsibilities include:
How to apply
Our priority is to find the right individual for each opportunity. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and invite you to find out more.
You can find the job description for this role here. If you would like to apply, please submit your CV, and a supporting statement that answers the following application questions:
Our commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity
We are committed to an inclusive hiring process, where every candidate has the chance to showcase their unique skills and experience in an accessible and supported environment, to ensure that we can make the best appointment for each opportunity on merit. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage those from underrepresented groups in this field to apply to us. We have identified three key areas to improving diversity. Our aim to achieve a more balanced representation across our organisation, with a particular focus on increasing the number of women in leadership, enhancing the representation of people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds and welcoming more people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we strongly encourage applications from these groups.
Apply to join our team and let's work towards building a more diverse and inclusive workplace together. If you require any support through this process, please contact us. Help us work together to make the recruitment process and potential future employment more accessible and enjoyable for you.
Closing date: 23rd August 2026
Interview date: week commencing 31 August 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Prospectus is thrilled to be partnering with our client n their search for a Policy Adviser to join their Education and Skills Policy team, supporting high-profile programmes focused on educational reform, mathematical and data education, education research and skills development. This is an opportunity to work on influential projects that bring together leading experts, policymakers, educators and researchers to improve outcomes for young people across the UK. This is a permanent role, 2-3 days a week in the office and paying £35,000 - £38,500.
Working closely with the Senior Policy Adviser, you will lead and coordinate policy projects from concept through to delivery. You'll help turn strategic recommendations into practical action, manage stakeholder relationships, leading research activity, develop policy briefings, and support the delivery of workshops, events and conferences.
You bring demonstrable experience in policy, research, or a related field. You will comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities. You’ll also have excellent stakeholder management and relationship building skills, with strong written communication, project management and influencing capabilities.
While previous education policy experience would be advantageous, we are particularly interested in candidates with strong policy expertise and a genuine interest in improving education.
Key Responsibilities
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for the role. In your cover letter, please ensure to highlight your:
Recruitment Timeline:
Closing date: 31st August
Shortlisting: 7th-8th September
Interviews: 17th September
At Prospectus, we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and are happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you require assistance with your application, please contact Shannon Sanderson, the lead consultant for this role. Please note that applications and CVs sent directly by email cannot be accepted and must be submitted through the application link to ensure they are properly recorded and considered.
About the role: AMRC is looking for a policy officer to join our small but highly influential policy and public affairs team, working at the heart of the medical research community. You will support our influencing and advocacy work, helping build a thriving research environment that facilitates innovation. We work with government and policy makers to ensure that our charities can invest in a healthy and sustainable research system across universities and the NHS. You will undertake analysis and horizon scanning to enable us to keep our members up-to-date, and you will support the development of AMRC’s policy activity. You will support activities in many areas of work including improving the sustainability of charity-university research; enhancing research careers, translation and infrastructure; maintaining a facilitative legislative and regulatory environment; and enhancing charity-industry partnerships, helping research findings to be translated into treatments, policy and practice more quickly. There will also be a public affairs dimension to the role that includes work with the APPG for Life Sciences, for which AMRC is part of the secretariat.
Please see our website for the job description and application instructions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV (no more than four pages, including two references who can be contacted if successful) and either:
· A covering letter of no more than two sides of A4 (Arial, size 12)
· Or a video of no more than four minutes.
Please explain why you want this role and how your experience meets the person specification.
Shortlisting: 07 September. Interviews week beginning 14 September.
NEYDL is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience relevant to the communities we serve.
The Role
This is a new post and a significant one. As Business Development Manager, you will be the first dedicated commercial function in NEYDL, the only person in the organisation with responsibility for sales and income generation from commissioned services and traded products. You will report directly to the CEO and sit on the senior management team.
Your core mission is to grow NEYDL's earned income across two distinct strands: securing commissioned services and contracts with local authorities and other organisations in the North East; and developing a national market for NEYDL's training products and DigiDAD platform, enabling professionals and organisations across the UK to improve the support available to young dads in their communities.
There is no pipeline to inherit. You will need to identify the right routes to market, build relationships from scratch with commissioners and buyers, and develop the BD function as you go. The CEO will provide strategic direction and support, but you will need to be confident operating with autonomy, exercising commercial judgement independently, and getting on with it.
What you will do
Identify and pursue opportunities for commissioned services and contracts in the North East with local authorities, NHS commissioners, family hubs, children’s services and other public and voluntary sector organisations
Develop a national market for NEYDL's training products and, in time, licensing offer, working across both statutory and voluntary sector audiences. This will include selling training directly to local authorities, NHS bodies and VCSE organisations; testing demand from VCSE organisations for a licensing model that enables them to deliver NEYDL's approach locally; and exploring whether local authorities would fund or commission a local VCSE partner to do so. A key part of this role in year one/two is testing assumptions about which funding and delivery models have most traction.
Promote DigiDAD as a free resource to professional audiences, growing registrations and building relationships with organisations that can champion it with young dads
Develop and manage a BD pipeline, setting targets and reporting progress to the CEO and board
Represent NEYDL at sector events, networks and conferences nationally to build profile and relationships
Develop proposals, tenders and partnership bids, working closely with the CEO and programme team
Work closely with the DigiDAD Engagement Officer to share leads and coordinate activity via an agreed tracker, and with the DigiDAD Programme Manager to ensure BD and digital growth strategies remain aligned
Contribute to marketing and communications activity that supports commercial growth, including supporting the launch of our new national brand
Play an active role as a member of the senior management team, contributing to strategy, planning and organisational leadership.
What we are looking for
We need someone with commercial experience in winning commissioned services, contracts or selling products and services to public and voluntary sector organisations. You will be relationship-focused, self-directed, and comfortable building a function without established infrastructure or a team behind you.
You will need to understand the professional landscape in which NEYDL operates: family support, early help, children’s services, family hubs. You don’t need to be an expert in young dads, but you will need to speak credibly to the people who commission and deliver family support, and to understand what drives their decisions.
What we offer
NEYDL is a close, inclusive and supportive team that actively invests in the development of its staff. We are a non-judgmental organisation built on mutual trust, respect and honesty. We listen to young dads and respond to what they actually need, working with them voluntarily to find long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes. If you join us, you will be part of a team that genuinely believes in what it does, and that belief comes through in everything we produce and every relationship we build.
In addition, we offer:
7.2 weeks’ annual leave per year, inclusive of statutory and public holidays
5% employer pension contribution
A flexible hybrid working arrangement
Funded professional development and training
Mileage paid at 55p per mile for business travel
The opportunity to shape a new function in a growing, mission-driven organisation at a pivotal moment in its development
A supportive and values-led senior team
Job purposeTo grow NEYDL's earned income across two distinct strands: securing commissioned services and contracts with local authorities and other organisations in the North East; and developing a national market for NEYDL's training products and DigiDAD platform, enabling professionals and organisations across the UK to improve the support available to young dads in their communities.Key responsibilities
Income generation and business development
Identify and develop opportunities to secure commissioned services and contracts with local authorities, NHS bodies, family hubs, children’s services, early help teams and voluntary sector organisations
Lead on the sale of NEYDL’s training products to professional audiences nationally, managing the full sales cycle from prospecting to close
Where relevant to other business development activity, make professionals aware of DigiDAD as a free resource and refer interested contacts to the DigiDAD Engagement Officer for onboarding and follow-up
Develop and maintain a BD pipeline, setting annual targets in conjunction with the CEO and reporting progress to the board
Identify new markets, audiences and partnership opportunities and make evidence-based recommendations to the CEO on where to focus BD effort.
Proposals, tenders and bids
Lead on the development of proposals, tenders and commissioned service bids, working closely with the CEO and programme team to develop compelling cases
Maintain awareness of relevant commissioning frameworks, procurement processes and funding opportunities that align with NEYDL’s offer
Ensure all proposals and tenders accurately reflect NEYDL’s costs and margins and are consistent with the organisation’s financial requirements
Relationships and profile
Build and manage relationships with commissioners, buyers, strategic partners and sector networks nationally
Represent NEYDL at sector events, conferences and networks, raising our profile with the professional audiences we want to reach
Work collaboratively with the DigiDAD Programme Manager to align BD activity with the growth of the DigiDAD platform
Support the launch and positioning of NEYDL’s new national brand, contributing to marketing and communications activity that supports commercial growth
Organisational leadership and management
Contribute to organisational strategy and annual planning as a member of the senior management team
Report on BD performance and progress against targets to the CEO and board
Work closely with the DigiDAD Engagement Officer (managed by the DigiDAD Programme Manager) to ensure a joined-up approach to professional audience engagement
Comply with all NEYDL policies and procedures including safeguarding, data protection and equality, diversity and inclusion
Key relationships
Chief Executive Officer: line manager and strategic lead
DigiDAD Programme Manager: close working relationship on professional audience growth and platform promotion
DigiDAD Engagement Officer: referral coordination on professional engagement and DigiDAD growth
Programme Managers and frontline team: to inform BD activity and support proposal development
External: commissioners, local authority leads, NHS contacts, training buyers, sector networks
Targets
Year 1 milestones
The following milestones have been agreed with our primary Year 1 funder and represent the BDM's near-term priorities:
By six months:
Approaches made to at least 25 contacts, including commissioners in all Family Hub areas in the North East and warm VCSE collaborators
By twelve months:
Marketing and outreach completed with at least 100 contacts (warm and cold)
Training delivered at least 10 times
Indicative conversion targets achieved: approximately 3% of cold contacts and 25% of warm contacts progressing to a training booking (these are assumptions to be tested and refined through year one)
Evaluation and review of year one learning completed; year two targets developed
Longer-term targets (to April 2029)
The following targets relate to the areas of work this role will contribute to, alongside the DigiDAD Programme Manager and wider team:
Professionals trained through NEYDL's training products: 50 by April 2027; 350 annually by April 2029
New professional DigiDAD registrations: 750 by April 2027; 1,400 annually by April 2029
New young dad DigiDAD registrations: 510 by April 2027; 1,000 annually by April 2029
The Business Development Manager will play a central role in building the relationships and income pipeline that drives the training targets. DigiDAD registration growth is led by the DigiDAD Engagement Officer and wider team, with the Business Development Manager contributing through referrals identified in the course of other work.
Alongside these targets, NEYDL currently holds commissioned service contracts with several local authorities: Durham, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Gateshead. A key priority for the Business Development Manager will be to maintain and strengthen these relationships, ensuring contracts are renewed and the value of our work to each commissioner is clearly evidenced. Beyond existing contracts, we are keen to secure commissioned funding in areas of the North East where we currently have limited or no presence.
About DadVocates
DadVocates is a new four-year project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, that will train, mentor and supervise young dads with lived experience of young fatherhood to act as volunteer peer advocates for young fathers going through children’s social care (CSC) proceedings, including Child Protection, Child in Need and Public Law Outline.
The project responds to evidence from our work with over 800 young dads, which shows that the majority felt negatively about CSC proceedings from the outset: many hold fatalistic expectations about losing contact with their children and are reluctant to engage. By matching young dads with a trained volunteer DadVocate at the earliest possible stage, the project aims to build agency, improve engagement and ultimately improve outcomes for children.
Over four years, the project will train 40 volunteer DadVocates, support 100 young dads through CSC proceedings, and deliver father-inclusive practice training to 160 social workers and other professionals across five local authorities. It will also co-design clear guidance on what good father-inclusive practice looks like within children’s social care teams.
This is a genuinely ambitious project, working at the intersection of lived experience, peer advocacy, social care practice and systems change. It was conceived by a young dad who is now a NEYDL trustee and qualified social worker and has been co-designed with 174 young dads over three years.
The role
The DadVocate Programme Manager will lead this project from the outset. You will recruit, train, mentor and supervise our volunteer DadVocates; chair and manage the project Steering Committee; lead the development and delivery of professional training for social workers; oversee monitoring, evaluation and funder reporting; and manage the project budget.
This is a programme management role, not a casework role. Cases are held by NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers; the DadVocates you manage provide peer support within those cases. You will have direct relationships with young dad beneficiaries through steering committee meetings, evaluation sessions and learning events, but your primary responsibility is managing and supporting the DadVocates and the systems around them.
The DadVocates are young dads with lived experience of young fatherhood, not professional practitioners. They will need significant support, encouragement and professional development to operate effectively in what can be a challenging environment. The quality of that management and support is central to the success of this project.
You will work alongside training and research providers, closely with NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers as the case holders and be supported day-to-day by the CEO.
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone with substantial experience, knowledge and competency working within the children’s social care and social work arena, alongside a track record of managing projects in the voluntary sector. The ideal candidate will bring both: professional grounding in children’s social care/social work and the programme management experience to lead a complex, multi-strand project over four years.
You will possess a deep understand of the children’s social care and social work system, be able to design and deliver training that changes professional culture and have the people management skills to support a team of volunteer young dads who are developing professional skills alongside their advocacy role. You will also need to build trusted relationships with young dad beneficiaries, social workers, academic partners and a range of local statutory and voluntary organisations.
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of young fatherhood or young parenthood, from people with personal or professional experience of children’s social care proceedings (including professionally qualified social workers) and people from minoritised backgrounds.
What we offer
NEYDL is a close, inclusive and supportive team that actively invests in the development of its staff. We are a non-judgmental organisation built on mutual trust, respect and honesty. If you join us, you will be part of a team that genuinely believes in what it does.
In addition, we offer:
Job purpose
To lead and manage the DadVocates project, a four-year National Lottery-funded programme training volunteer young dads as peer advocates for young fathers in children’s social care proceedings; delivering professional training to social workers; and working towards the embedding of father-inclusive practice across children’s social care teams in five local authorities.
Key responsibilities
1. Project management
2. Steering Committee
3. Co-creating the DadVocate training programme
4. Managing and supporting volunteer DadVocates
5. Matching DadVocates with young dads in CSC proceedings
6. Professional training for social workers
7. Monitoring, evaluation and learning
8. Safeguarding
9. Collaboration and partnerships
10. Other
11. Standard clauses