Programme management jobs

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

We are looking for a Prison Advocate

Salary: £27,000 - £29,000

Location: HMP Peterborough

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term – until 31st March 2027

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

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

About us

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

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

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

About the role:

The Advance Prison Advocate will support women on remand and those unsentenced within the prison setting, providing pre-release support; focused on Accommodation, Finance, debt & benefits, Family & significant others and Social inclusion.

The Prison Advocate will develop a referral pathway with the Offender Management team within the prison, for women to access the service and will work in partnership with the existing service providers operating within the prison. You will co-design a person-centred support and action plan with women accessing support, enabling you to support them to address their needs and any risks in relation to the interventions identified above including providing ‘through the gate support’. The role will combine a casework- based approach, along with a signposting and advice service for the women in custody.

You will have demonstrable experience and understanding of working with women in a challenging multi-agency environment, ideally working with prisoners and/or their families.

You will build strong relationships with the Pre Release teams to ensure clients are able to maintain or access suitable accommodation, finance, benefits and debt, family and social inclusion support including negotiating terms on behalf of the women. Ensure that interventions are responsive to and meet the needs of women from diverse and minoritised backgrounds. This, together with referrals to wider partner organisations in the community, will ensure additional support needs are addressed post-release and continuity of support exists.

A car may be desirable for this role, though not essential.

About You:

To be successful as the Prison Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:

Knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system obtained through academic study, experience of working in the criminal justice system (or closely associated social system).

The ability and experience as a caseworker delivering gender specific and trauma responsive interventions which support resettlement and rehabilitation of female adults in the criminal justice system whether in the community or in prisons.

You will possess excellent organisational skills, excellent communication skills and be able to work in a prison environment whilst remaining calm.

Knowledge and understanding of the requirements of managing a caseload including maintaining and updating records, remaining focused on action plan goals, and keeping to deadlines

You will have the ability to complete trauma informed, support and action plans in collaboration with the woman; to support in addressing their multiple and individual needs and enable them to engage with services, which will result in timely and prescribed outcomes being achieved.

How to apply:

Please apply with a copy of your CV and a cover letter through our website. The closing date for applications is the 21st of September.

Interviews will take place the week of the 29th September.

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

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

• 35-hour working week
• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• One-week paid carers’ s leave
• Career development pathways

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

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

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

Safeguarding

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

Grade: 0 - Director

Salary: £87,720

Position type: Permanent, Full time 37.5 hours a week. Flexible hours considered.

Responsible to: CEO

Direct reports: Deputy Director of Fundraising and Communications, Head of Global Brand and Content, Head of Global Comms and Digital, Head of Fundraising Operations, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

Location: ShelterBox HQ, Truro, Cornwall (hybrid working, mix of office and home) or Remote (UK only)

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Director of Fundraising and Communications is a member of the Executive Team. This is ShelterBox's most senior management team, with overall responsibility for leading, planning and managing the work and development of ShelterBox.

You will be responsible for the delivery of our current 5 year organisational strategy 2022-27 as well as the implementation of the departmental Fundraising and Communications strategy, driving continued ambitious growth in our reach, engagement and fundraising. You will also play a leading role in driving the development of the next 5-year strategy for 2027 onwards.

You will work with the wider organisation and stakeholders to represent Fundraising and Communications and ensure the team are supported and able to thrive.

This is a role for a dynamic senior fundraising and communications specialist, who will bring significant experience within the sector. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will develop and implement a strategy that builds foundations for growth and drives a bold and confident ShelterBox of the future. You will take full accountability for the successful delivery of income forecasts and expenditure budgets. You will work with the team to deliver best in class communications across our channels, reach new audiences and grow unrestricted income through digital and offline acquisition, oversee the strategic growth of our philanthropy and partnerships programme, support our strategic partnership with Rotary, and ensure that the ShelterBox brand is optimised to ensure we stand out in a crowded market.

You will also be responsible for understanding the needs and ambitions of the ShelterBox network of affiliates (in Europe, North America and Australasia), seeking to understand the strategies and tactics that will drive global income growth. You will recommend where investments by ShelterBox Trust can support global fundraising into the future.

You will be a proven, highly effective communicator with an empowering management style and the ability to quickly build relationships. A personal desire to invest in your teams with limited resources is essential. Creativity, commitment and best practice implementation are key.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are seeking a highly experienced fundraising and communications expert, who has a passion for storytelling and building impactful relationships. You must be able to hit the ground running, have a strong record of developing and leading successful teams by building highly effective relationships. This role is all about inspiring leadership, strategic innovation, and maximising every opportunity to grow our vital work.

Experience and understanding of the humanitarian sector is desirable, as is an understanding of current fundraising opportunities and challenges, ethical storytelling and communication trends. This includes an understanding of the competitive fundraising environment in the sector, following announcements by some government donors. The need for emergency shelter around the world is vast and growing daily. This role must understand and drive ambitious and effective ways to communicate our specialist focus on shelter and the tangibility of our offer to current and future supporters.

The role will support the Fundraising and Communications department to deliver 2025/2026 plans, as well as implement the longer-term fundraising and communications strategy, seizing all opportunities in an ever-changing landscape.

As well as leading the UK team, working with colleagues from different countries to grow international fundraising, requires excellent communication skills and a commitment to a long-term diplomatic approach.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for the wider cultural context that affects our supporter's lives and behaviours. You will be results oriented and be confident using data and insight to inform decision making and drive our fundraising to the next level. Driven by a desire to connect in a meaningful way with audiences old and new, you will continuously seek new ways to ensure supporters are at the heart of everything we do.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone to lead a passionate and high-performing team, drive longer-term strategy and ensure the development of ShelterBox's strategic planning at a time of considerable change across the sector

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

As part of the Executive Team:

• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of ShelterBox's Strategy 2022-27 as well as play a leading role in developing the next organisational 5 year strategy.
• Support the development and implementation of ShelterBox's vision, mission and values, including through demonstrable leadership and communication skills.
• Direct all fundraising and communication activities to achieve strategic goals, in line with our vision, mission and values.
• Work closely with the ShelterBox Board of Trustees, reporting on progress against strategy.
• Deputise for the CEO as required.
• Regular travel to our Headquarters in Truro will be required. Occasional travel to London, affiliate offices internationally, and other locations.

As Director of Fundraising & Communications:

• Provide inspiring leadership and direction for the Fundraising & Communications department's multi-disciplinary team, ensuring ongoing development and implementation of our strategy to see continued ambitious growth in our income and profile.
• Drive and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, setting clear expectations, providing ongoing support and ensuring that teams are aligned with the strategy and our vision, mission and values.
• Ensure we grow the profile and influence of ShelterBox through the delivery of compelling fundraising and communications strategies to increase our supporter base and income.
• Line manage the FundComms SLT: Deputy Director of Fundraising and Communications, Head of Global Comms and Digital, Head of Global Brand and Content, Head of Fundraising Operations, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
• Embed a culture of data and insight driven decision making, innovation and collaboration.
• Build strategic relationships with internal stakeholders to support collaboration, integrated planning and effective delivery of fundraising and communications activities.
• Be accountable for budgets and the best use of financial resources within the department, ensuring all budget and procurement processes are effectively implemented.
• Drive performance against targets within the department, identify and mitigate risk and develop contingency plans.
• Ensure our global brand aligns with the organisational strategy and audience insight, and that there is consistent application across the international team.
• Ensure our reputation is enhanced and protected - our teams produce high-quality, accurate materials, our processes are safe and robust, our supporters feel valued, and we are upholding our organisational values.
• Represent and act as an ambassador for ShelterBox externally, including with strategic partners like Rotary, and our community of incredible supporters. This includes taking part in media interviews to promote our work to a wide audience.
• Work closely across the department and affiliate teams to deepen understanding of our audiences, using data and sector insights to better target and grow these audience groups and increase lifetime value.
• Keep up to date with sector trends and developments, and particularly work with the CEO office to build networking and profile-building opportunities.

As a senior team leader and people manager at ShelterBox

• Actively demonstrate the importance of staff development in line with ShelterBox's policies and procedures, for example by undertaking regular 1:1 meetings with direct reports and investing in performance management.
• Model ShelterBox's values through behaviours and leadership and build on what is a great senior leadership team in the Fundraising and Communications Department
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion within the organisation.
• As part of an emergency organisation there will be times when you will be required to work evenings and weekends at short notice in response to a disaster.

Other responsibilities

• Any other duties as required which are deemed appropriate to the level and grade of the post.

This is a new role at Befriending Networks, as we seek someone who is up for the challenge of fundraising to support the continuation of our work in supporting the network of befriending organisations and ensuring that meaningful social connection is available to all.

The role will work closely with the CEO to deliver a fundraising strategy, which will focus on trusts, grant-givers, and corporate collaborations across the UK.  

You will be a skilled communicator, and you will be influential in how you present our work. You will be a self-starter and someone who takes pride in producing high-quality work. You will be courageous and curious as you work to position Befriending Networks as an investable charity. 

The key focus of this role

1. Generate income from small grants from trusts and foundations for specific projects and activities over the short to medium term.  

2. Assist the CEO in the preparation of strategic grant applications for work across the UK, with an initial focus on England, Scotland and Wales to deliver key priorities of our Strategic Plan over the longer term.

3. Development of potential corporate partnerships and collaborations. 

Job Title: Employment Consultant (North Wales)

Location: Home-based with significant travel across designated region

Salary: £32,208 (+ cost of living increase in October 2025)

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week (part time or flexible working options considered)

Contract: 2 years fixed term with possibility of extension

Would you like to be inspired every day in a highly rewarding role? Whether it’s the veterans we support, your colleagues or the other services that we collaborate with, you will be working with an exceptional group of people.

At the Poppy Factory, we help armed forces veterans with health conditions to find meaningful and sustainable employment after service. This often means overcoming significant barrier to employment. Our aim is to empower veterans, help them to recognise their unique skills and give them the confidence to move forwards in their career.

As an Employment Consultant, you will be assisting veterans across the region back into work. Based at your home, but with extensive travel, you will help with application materials, overcome challenges, and connect with employers. You will also work alongside professionals in other services such as health or welfare to ensure that the veterans have access to all the support they need to overcome barriers to gain and retain employment.

What do we need from you?

• Empathetic and effective communicator. You will be comfortable building rapport and trust with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• A collaborative mindset. You will enjoy working as part of a team with colleagues based across the UK who support each other in what can sometimes be a challenging role. You will also work closely with many other organisations for the benefit of the veterans you will be supporting.
• Motivation and commitment. It takes hard work, tenacity and time to help people reach their employment goals. You will sometimes be helping people in challenging circumstances who need intensive support to move forwards.
• This is hugely varied role and no two days are the same. You will often need to balance competing priorities or quickly shift focus depending on the needs of the people you will be supporting.
• Experience of and confidence in supporting people with complex challenges such as, health issues, substance use, insecure housing, criminal records, or other barriers to employment.
• You will be an emotionally resilient individual who can effectively navigate challenging circumstances and provide unwavering support to those in need.

Why should you apply?

• A chance to give back to our armed forces and make a positive and lasting impact to the lives of veterans and their families.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including generous holiday and pension contributions.
• A welcoming and empowering culture, with regular opportunities for team connecting and shared learning throughout the year.
• Variety in the role, a mix of travelling in your area, home working and occasional visits to the historic Poppy Factory in Richmond, London
• The opportunity to develop your region and build relationships with employers and other support services that best meet the needs of the people you’re supporting.
• Be part of an iconic charity with a 100+ year history

For further information, including the full job description for the role, please refer to the candidate pack.

How to apply

To apply for this position please prepare your CV and a covering letter clearly outlining how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification as set out above and submit via the online application process. Please address your covering letter to Kirsty Gronow, Services Manager.

For an informal conversation to find out more about this role, please call Kirsty Gronow.

Only applications submitted through the online process will be considered.

No agencies please.

Equality & Diversity

We are committed to equality, valuing diversity, and promoting inclusion within our workforce, including the volunteers who give their time to us.  We work to maintain an environment where the needs and aspirations of all employees are met, irrespective of characteristics protected under the legislative framework of the Equality Act 2010. We expect everyone to understand and accept their personal responsibility to recognise and value differences and the unique contributions that people make to the way we deliver our work.

As an equal opportunities employer our commitment is to take positive measures to recruit people from underrepresented groups, and we actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview for any job applicant with a disability who meets the essential criteria for the role. Please indicate in your covering letter if you wish to be considered under this scheme. We are also happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process to accommodate disabled candidates.

Additionally, we offer a guaranteed interview to veterans of the UK armed forces or members of the Reservist forces who meet the essential role criteria. Please make it clear in your application if you wish to be considered on this basis. Please note, to be eligible for consideration under this scheme your application must demonstrate that you meet the essential role criteria as set out in the person specification.

We are a family friendly employer and happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. We encourage applicants to contact us to discuss if they have any questions before applying.

About The Poppy Factory

The Poppy Factory aims to be an exemplar employer. We recognise the impact that working with a challenging cohort can have on our staff, which is why we prioritise work/life balance and support mechanisms including training, supervision and EAP provision.

The Poppy Factory provides competitive terms and conditions of employment, including:

• Opportunity for home-based/hybrid and flexible working
• 28 days’ basic annual leave per year (including a day in lieu of Armistice Day, and 3 days’ Christmas closure), rising to 32 days with long service, plus bank holidays
• Double-matched pension contributions up to 10% employer contribution

Women at the Well is a support service for women based in the King’s Cross area of central London. We provide practical support and advocacy to women facing a wide range of disadvantages, and we have a specialism in working with women whose lives have been affected by prostitution and/or sexual exploitation. We are trauma informed, holistic and woman-centred. We deliver our mission through three interconnected services:

1. A women only drop-in service

2. An advocacy service

3. An outreach service

We take referrals from many external partners and while we have a hub-centre in Kings Cross we are a pan-London service.

Women at the Well has supported thousands of women over more than twenty years work in London. We see the complex ways in which women’s inequality, racism, disability and poor health, educational disadvantage, trauma in childhood, migration and the hostile immigration environment can all lead to significant social and economic disadvantages and harm. As well as providing tailored support, we aim to speak up for the rights of women to live lives free from abuse.

Job purpose:

The Head of Services role is critical to leading the delivery of the best possible support to the women who use our services. The Head of Services has lead responsibility for continuous review of the effectiveness of our services and whether they are meeting women’s needs. She needs to be in touch with what is happening in the lives of the women using our services.

We are looking for a strategic thinker who can shape and lead the future direction of our service, ensuring it continues to meet the complex and evolving needs of women affected by sexual exploitation. This person will have the vision to identify what needs to change and the leadership skills to drive that change with confidence and clarity.

They will be an empowering leader, capable of inspiring and supporting a skilled team of support workers and volunteers who are engaged in emotionally demanding work and who rely on strong, compassionate oversight. A deep understanding of the risks faced by the women we support—and a commitment to reducing those risks—must be at the heart of their approach.

§  Closing date: 15 September 2025

§  Interview date: 25 and 26 September

For full job description and application process on our website and below.

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: Hounslow (This is an onsite role, located within the London Borough of Hounslow, there may be a requirement to occasionally work in the London Borough of Hillingdon)
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location)

Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (Until February 2026)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker to provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges.This includes safety planning and enabling women to access housing, welfare, benefits, and legal advice. A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 17 September 2025

Interview Date: 25 and 26 September 2025

We Are Survivors are looking for a Nightingale Navigator to join the team. You will support the direct delivery of our Nightingale services that supports the non-offending family and loved ones of survivors who are engaged in the Criminal Justice system.

You’ll play a key role in supporting clients, managing communications and working in partnership with all Nightingale Project members. You will work closely with our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors, Community Development Co-Ordinator’s to provide support at different parts of a victims Criminal Justice journey, as well as supporting the development and delivery of community-based interventions for their families and loved ones. All staff have a thematic leadership area to expand the organisations knowledge in areas impacting male survivors and their loved ones.

Job Title:  Head of Policy and Engagement

Location:  London, (The Foundry, Vauxhall) 

Type: Permanent, hybrid

Hours: 4 days/28 hours a week 

Salary: £50k pa (FTE) 

About Equally Ours 

Equally Ours (previously the Equality and Diversity Forum) is a UK charity that brings together people and organisations working across equality, human rights and social justice to make a reality of these in everyone’s lives.

Through our members and networks, Equally Ours joins up research, policy and communications to shift public opinion and policy in positive and powerful ways. This is an exciting and pivotal time for us. At the end of 2022, we launched a 10-year strategy, 'Together for social justice', which sets out our bold agenda to increase equality and strengthen rights at scale.  

We are a voluntary membership organisation dedicated to supporting networks, communities and grassroots groups across the UK to influence public policy and decision-making processes.

This important new role aims to support London-based members and our wider networks in shaping meaningful, structural public policy changes that address climate action, social justice, and economic opportunity. This role will work at the intersection of national and London government agendas, ensuring that the diverse experiences of Londoners shape a more socially just London and the UK that protect and advances people's equality and human rights. 

Role Overview 

We are seeking a Head of Policy and Community Engagement to lead our policy advocacy and community engagement initiatives. This role is crucial in helping our members develop a collective voice, influence policy at both local and national levels, and drive long-lasting, systemic change. The successful candidate will work closely with London-based members and grassroots organisations, convening and facilitating opportunities to develop a unified and impactful voice and advocate for systemic change on key issues such as climate justice and resilience, employment inequality and economic inclusion, particularly in the context of public sector investment and the green economy. They will have a passion for human rights, equality and social justice, and strong policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement experience. 

Key Responsibilities 

Policy Advocacy & Engagement 

• Support Member Voice: Facilitate opportunities for our members (and their networks) to develop a unified and impactful voice on key policy issues.

• Drive structural change: Advocate for systemic, rather than piecemeal, policy reform on issues relating to climate action, law and economic opportunity.

• Policy research & analysis: synthesize research data, commission research, and stay informed on the priorities of national government, Greater London Authority and local borough councils, as well as those of funders, to provide members with strategic analysis and support in developing and influencing policy. 

• Focus on intersectionality: Promote the adoption of an intersectional, pan-equality, and human rights-based framework in policy areas such as the equality and human rights legal framework, climate justice and social investment. 

Community & Network Development 

• Develop and strengthen membership model: Lead efforts to develop and adapt our membership and engagement model, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of our London network and the wider movement.

• Equip grassroots groups: Work closely with grassroots organisations to build their capacity and influence on key issues, supporting them to engage directly with policymakers and participate meaningfully in policy debates.

• Promote collaboration and capacity building: Promote collaboration among members, encouraging the sharing of best practice, strengthening their collective voice, and enhancing their effectiveness in advocating for their communities. 

Strategic Initiatives & emerging trends 

• Horizon scanning and trend analysis: Monitor emerging trends in the climate, social justice, and community development sectors, ensuring strategies are adapted to address these developments.

• Network expansion: Identify opportunities to grow our network and extend our reach, ensuring more grassroots organisations are empowered to engage with policy agendas and drive systemic change. 

What skills and experiences we’re looking for: 

• Strong policy expertise: demonstrable experience of analysing evidence from a range of sources (lived experience, think tank and academic reports,) and working collaboratively with communities to identify the root causes of inequality and create policy solutions. Ideally in one or more of the areas of climate justice, economic opportunity, and social inclusion. 

• Community Engagement: Experience of working with grassroots organisations and local communities, with a focus on building capacity and amplifying their voices at local borough, London and UK government levels. 

• Advocacy Skills:

• Strong understanding and demonstrable experience of public policy change processes at the intersection of UK and London government agendas

• Proven ability to develop, lead, implement and monitor influencing strategies that drive systemic change 

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think creatively and strategically about developing engagement models and responding to emerging trends in social and environmental justice movements. 

• Commitment: commitment to and a sound understanding of how to apply equality, intersectionality and human rights principles to public policy development, and the credibility to build trust with communities. 

• Network Building: Demonstrable experience in growing and supporting membership networks or coalitions, ideally in the voluntary or charity sector. 

• Emotional intelligence: High levels of emotional intelligence and resilience, including the understanding and ability to manage how lived experience of our privilege and inequality can impact in the workplace for yourself, colleagues and external stakeholders. 

• Managing staff: Experience managing at least one staff member, providing both task centered and pastoral support. The ability to hold and manage difficult feelings and conversations with tact and sensitivity. 

• Anti-racism: Commitment to embed anti-racism across all aspects of our work.

Desirable: 

• Experience of commissioning different types of research 

• Experience of working with impact monitoring and evaluation frameworks, for example theory of change methodology. 

30.5 hours per week / £33,795 per annum, pro rata / permanent / working pattern to be discussed at interview.

 is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional wellbeing and mental health.

We are recruiting a Wellbeing Counsellor and an Autism and Learning Disabilities Specialist for the Brighton and Hove Community Wellbeing Service for children and young people (CYP).

Our service, led by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with YMCA DownsLink, supports 2–25 year olds with mild-to-moderate mental health needs. Since 2020, we’ve provided community-based, evidence-based interventions including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, low-intensity interventions, group treatments, creative therapies, and social prescribing — all tailored to individual needs and age.

In this role, you will provide counselling that is adapted to ensure accessibility for autistic children and young people, as well as those with learning disabilities. This support will be offered to clients aged 4 to 25 who have a formal diagnosis.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.

Experience and Knowledge

•  Experience in individual counselling with children and young people (aged 4+)
• Experience in counselling children and young people with Autism and Learning Difficulties
• Training/experience in working with children with communication difficulties, including Autism and LD
• Experience and/or knowledge of local statutory and voluntary agencies
• Experience of working in a community setting
• Experience of carrying out assessments
• Training / experience in using play and creative techniques in therapy
• Experience / ability to work autonomously, including working remotely.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain empathic, supportive relationships with people in significant distress with their families and/or carers
• Willingness to receive, understand and communicate confidential client information of a sensitive and often complex nature, including discussing care with family members within boundaries of confidentiality.
• Proficient to communicate in a sensitive and reassuring manner, with empathy, and where appropriate reassurance
• Able to make good use of clinical supervision in a group and/or individual format
•  Skilled in liaising with other teams and services including external agencies as required for the wellbeing of service users
•  Proficient to assist in assessment of young people's mental health and make appropriate decisions regarding treatment or referral to other services.

Qualifications

We are recruiting a qualified counsellor, who has experience working with children and young people with autism and learning difficulties, delivering face to face counselling and carrying out assessments with young people to include working with high risk and complex issues. You will have a graduate or post-graduate level Counselling Diploma, or equivalent, and a minimum of two years post-qualifying experience, CYP IAPT Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning Disabilities, or CYP Psychological Therapies for autism and learning disabilities (renamed in 2025). You will also need to be BACP Registered/Accredited or registered with another recognised professional body (e.g. HPC, UKCP). 

The successful applicant will have experience of managing risk, with effective communication around safeguarding procedures. You will also have experience of multi-disciplinary team working and knowledge of local statutory and voluntary agencies. You will also have experience of using electronic database for case management notes and administrative tasks to include monitoring and evaluation. 

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact

Should you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at 

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 14 September 2025 at midnight. We reserve the right to close this advert early if a successful candidate is found, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Successful candidates will already have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third-party service provider. 

About us

Carers UK is the national charity for unpaid carers. With more than 5.8 million carers in the UK today, we exist to make life better for those who provide unpaid care to family and friends. Through our information and advice services, peer support network, and campaigning for change, we are here for carers when they need us most.

You’ll be joining our Income Generation and Communications team - an ambitious and supportive department where collaboration, innovation and learning are at the heart of what we do. Together, we’re growing sustainable income to ensure unpaid carers across the UK get the support they need and deserve.

About the role

We’re looking for a proactive and organised Nations Trusts and Foundations Officer to help us grow and strengthen our funding from charitable trusts and foundations - specifically those supporting our work in Carers Scotland, Carers Wales, and Carers Northern Ireland.

This is a key role that directly supports policy influence and service delivery across the nations by securing flexible, budget-relieving grants. You’ll be responsible for researching funders, developing compelling applications, and building strong relationships with a range of national and regional trusts. You’ll also work closely with our teams in each nation to stay connected to their priorities and help translate their vital work into fundable and fund-winning cases for support.

It’s an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to deepen their expertise in trust fundraising while contributing to lasting change for unpaid carers.

About you

You’ll have experience of writing successful trust funding applications and will feel confident asking for grants of five figures or more. You enjoy writing clearly and persuasively, and you’re good at building positive relationships with funders over time.

You’re organised and reliable, able to manage a busy workload and keep on top of deadlines. You pay close attention to detail and take pride in producing accurate work, especially when reporting back to funders.
You’re someone who works well with others. You’ll enjoy talking to our teams in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to understand what they need and how funding can help. You’re curious, committed, and care about making a difference to people’s lives.

It’s helpful if you already understand the charity landscape in the nations or the challenges unpaid carers face, but it’s not essential. Most important is that you bring a positive, thoughtful approach and are ready to learn.

At Carers UK we want our application process to be as accessible as possible. If you need any adjustments to apply please email us to discuss.

The closing date for applications is 12pm, Monday 29 September 2025.

Please send in your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application.

Carers UK anonymises all applications prior to shortlisting.

Carers UK reserves the right to appoint at any stage, should an outstanding candidate emerge.

Carers UK are actively interviewing for this role as we receive applications.

We may carry out online and social media checks before a formal offer is made.

Terms:

• Start date: 3rd November 2025
• Salary: £24,512 per annum actual salary (£30,640 FTE, inclusive of £3,990 London Weighting)
• Location: Hybrid - across South London community hubs, HMP Bronzefield, remote working

About Women in Prison

Women in Prison is a national, women-led, feminist organisation. We deliver front line support to women harmed by the criminal justice system, through our work in prisons, in the community and ‘through the prison gate’ as they resettle back into their communities. We also campaign for systems change that addresses the root causes of offending, reduces the harmful impact of prison, and creates workable, community-based alternatives to imprisonment.

Job Description:

Job Purpose:

This role will be based in both HMP Bronzefield and in our community-based hubs in South London, delivering specialist housing support with women impacted by the criminal justice system in prison and the community.

Key responsibility areas

1. To deliver an effective accommodation intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system.
2. To develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as housing departments, probation, prison, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s accommodation needs.
3. To provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions.
4. To work with colleagues to take a system change approach to tackling key issues, such as housing, for women affected by the criminal justice system.

For full job description, please download the recruitment pack.