Refugee coordinator jobs in brixton, greater london

Ascension Community Trust (ACT) is a much-loved community-based charity in Custom
House, Newham. We deliver Newham District Foodbank (a Trussell foodbank run by ACT
and two community partners), welfare benefits advice, immigration advice, ESOL classes,
work with adults with learning difficulties, as well as work with children, young people and
their families.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and their experience includes working with
corporate companies, students, school children, people with lived experience of poverty,
refugees, asylum seekers, and adults with learning difficulties. Our mission statement –
“Enabling the whole community to make the community whole” – means that we work with
all members of our community and promote integration.

We are looking for someone with good interpersonal skills, who can welcome and listen to
prospective volunteers to find out their interests, skills and goals and match them with the
right volunteering opportunity.

You will work two days a week with Newham District Foodbank strategic partners to mobilise
volunteers across our three delivery sites, and one day a week to support volunteer
involvement across the rest of ACT. You will need to be able to think outside the box to spot
opportunities – across all our projects – to invite volunteers to join in with our mission,
whether that’s regular volunteering, one-off projects or using their skills to help us with
strategy or communications.

You will also need to be methodical, making sure references are taken up and DBS-checks
are completed, as well as tracking and recording volunteers’ training. To make this easier
you will help us implement the ‘Assemble’ volunteer management software across Newham
District Foodbank’s three partners.

About Refugee Action Kingston

At Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) we're dedicated to helping the successful integration of refugees and people seeking asylum into the local community. With over three decades of experience, we provide a comprehensive range of services including welfare support, immigration and legal advice, education, counselling, and career guidance.

RAK employs 15 staff and currently has nearly 200 volunteers. In 2023/24 more than 2,000 people benefited from our services

What we can offer you

· Work in a highly respected organisation punching above its weight – providing quality support to over 2,000 individuals and families a year

· A friendly and supportive environment, with an experienced team of professional teachers, counsellors, solicitors and advisers and a dedicated team of experienced volunteers

Opportunities for flexible and hybrid working

· Real potential for a creative thinking individual to build on and shape a dynamic responsive programme

Our values

· Empathy: we put ourselves in the shoes of those we work with.

· Enterprise: we're innovative and resourceful in our approach to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum.

· Empowerment: we strive to empower our clients, helping them achieve their aspirations.

Role overview

The main duties of the post

· Overall strategic development and management programmes for adults at the Community Hub

· Collaborative work with and engagement of project partners and other agencies in the borough

· Ensuring Monitoring and evaluation takes place

· General responsibilities within the organisation

1. Overall strategic development and management of the Community Hub Programme

Manage and develop the Community Hub providing activities, personal development opportunities and information for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Line manage ESOL Coordinator with supervision and appraisals supporting their CPD

Work with the ESOL Coordinator and volunteers to develop activities and client engagement within the project.

Plan and ensure delivery of short courses, workshops and events either in house or facilitated by partners.  Promote local activity and encourage client participation in line with the requirements of the Big Lottery funding.

Oversee project activities in all venues ensuring practical and active implementation of all policies and procedures, particularly Health and Safety, Risk Assessments, and Safeguarding 

Work with Volunteer Coordinator to support and supervise volunteers to a high standard.

Manage Venue bookings

2. Collaborative work with and engagement of project partners and other agencies in the borough

Source and work with project partners on successful delivery of activities and events within the project and promotion of wider activities in the borough

Build relationships to facilitate client progression and promote the organisation

Work with the volunteer coordinator to use local networks and food resvue partnerships to ensure the provision of Food and refreshments

3 Monitoring and evaluation

Ensure up to date records are maintained on the RAK database

Maintain and further develop Monitoring and Evaluation, recording participation and achievements implementing rigorous consultation processes for all participants, regular surveys and clients focus group activities

Prepare reports for the funders

4 General Responsibilities within the organisation

Team responsibilities including attending staff meetings, dealing sensitively with service users and facilitating internal and external referrals.

Work within the team to deliver a holistic service for clients.

Work within the team to undertake duties to ensure a clean and safe working environment.

Represent RAK at external meetings as agreed with the CEO, attend training, keep

up-to-date with changes in the asylum system.

Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.

Please note the duties outlined in this Job Description may be reviewed and amended from time to time.

Introduction to Croydon Refugee Day Centre

The Croydon Refugee Day Centre (CRDC) is a small, primarily volunteer-led organisation, with a 4-person staff team and 70 dedicated volunteers.

Our mission is to work together with asylum seekers, refugees and other stakeholders to create a welcoming, responsive & sustainable community at Croydon Refugee Day Centre, where people seeking sanctuary are respected as equals, can regain some control of their lives and build towards a future in the UK.Bottom of Form  Last year, we supported over 1600 people.

Over the past few years, the number of asylum seekers and refugees in Croydon has increased dramatically, and CRDC is increasing its services and staffing to meet the new level of need.

Job Role

Title: Administrator

Contract: One year fixed -term contract (role may be extended dependent on funding)

Salary: £29,680 FTE (pro rata to 3 days/22.5 hours per week - £17,808 absolute salary)

Reporting to: Operational and Volunteer Coordinator

Place of Work: Croydon Refugee Day Centre, West Croydon Baptist Church, Whitehorse Road, Croydon, CR0                                              2JH, with some home-working. Pattern & place of work to be agreed with Line Manager.

Days of Work: 22.5 hours worked Monday to Friday (core hours include Mondays 9am-2.30pm; Thursdays 9am-                                           12.30pm; the rest of the working hours pattern will be agreed with the Line Manager).

 Purpose: To provide high quality administrative support to the Croydon Refugee Day Centre.

Job Description

As Administrator for the Croydon Refugee Day Centre, you will be a crucial part of our small staff team, working across, maintaining and developing all our administrative systems. Your core responsibilities will be as follows:

• To manage the central administrative systems, processes and procedures of CRDC across different platforms, including Google Drive and Microsoft Teams, plus subscriptions to other services (e.g. web hosting)
• To manage our CRM Access Database of community members, including weekly data entry and management of accompanying paper records; plus annual updates and assisting with extraction of statistics for grant reports and trustee meetings.
• To manage administrative tasks and improve and develop administrative systems associated with our 70-strong volunteer team, including initial recruitment and onboarding of volunteers, DBS checks and references, weekly rotas etc.
• To develop and manage a database of (potential) in kind and financial donors and/or newsletter subscribers and to communicate externally with community donors, including writing thank you letters.
• To ensure that record keeping across the organisation is performed in line with our GDPR and confidentiality responsibilities.
• To support the Coordinators and Manager in managing Hardship Funds, including regular purchasing of necessary hardship supplies, such as toiletries, underwear etc.
• To manage purchasing of office and other supplies and equipment as necessary.
• To manage day-to-day administrative tasks, including but not limited to: monitoring and replying to external email queries; preparation of documents and letters for other staff members; weekly updates of website and facebook page.
• To assist Manager wih financial systems and bookkeeping, including working with Xero.
• To assist Manager with preparation of documents for trustee meetings, prepare draft minutes and act as Secretary at meetings.
• To oversee and train volunteers involved in administrative tasks.

How to apply: 

Click the CharityJob Apply button below.

You’ll be asked to submit a CV and 2-page covering letter detailing how you meet the person specification in the attachment.

Closing Date:  8th June 2025 

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join IRMO as our Youth Project Coordinator and lead the Latin American Youth Forum (LAYF) – IRMO’s youth-led group for migrant and refugee young people aged 13–19.

LAYF offers a safe, supportive and trilingual space (Spanish, Portuguese and English) where young people can overcome barriers and begin to find their feet in the UK. Activities are designed to build confidence, support integration and foster leadership. Through the programme, participants can learn English through fun and engaging ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, take part in weekly educational, arts-based and themed workshops, and receive one-to-one support through a targeted coaching programme focused on education, volunteering and employment.

Young people also have the opportunity to join the LAYF Youth Steering Group, where they can develop leadership skills and inspire other Spanish and Portuguese-speaking young people, while exploring London and beyond through cultural trips and residentials.

As Youth Project Coordinator, you will be responsible for registering and onboarding new participants, designing and delivering a creative weekly programme of LAYF Space Workshops, and offering one-to-one mentoring to help young people access opportunities and build confidence. You’ll work closely with IRMO’s ESOL and Advice and Advocacy teams to ensure a joined-up and holistic approach.

This is a varied role that requires empathy, creativity and excellent organisational skills. You will play a key part in ensuring all activities are inclusive, engaging and safe, while monitoring progress and capturing the achievements of the young people involved. You’ll also be a positive role model, helping each participant realise their potential and feel empowered in their journey.

LAYF is delivered as part of Building Young Brixton (BYB), a consortium of ten Lambeth-based organisations working together to inspire and empower young people in the borough. Partnership working is central to the LAYF ethos, and the Youth Project Coordinator will collaborate closely with BYB partners to co-create activities, share skills and strengthen impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit and register LAYF participants by assessing individual needs and matching them with appropriate activities

• Plan, co-produce and deliver a dynamic and engaging programme of LAYF activities – from arts and sport to inspirational talks – designed to build young people’s confidence, life skills and social connection

• Coach and support young people to thrive in their education and personal development through a targeted one-to-one coaching programme

• Plan and deliver quarterly trips and events that promote peer interaction and engagement with the local community

• Signpost and refer young people to relevant services at IRMO, BYB or other external partners

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including registration forms, attendance, surveys, feedback, session plans and coaching logs

• Input and manage baseline and progress data using IRMO’s database and monitoring tools

• Produce compelling case studies and success stories to share with young people, funders and supporters

• Ensure the wellbeing and safety of all participants, following IRMO’s safeguarding policies and National Youth Agency (NYA) guidance

• Communicate with LAYF participants and families in a timely and appropriate way, respecting boundaries and overcoming communication barriers

• Promote LAYF activities through newsletters, social media and IRMO’s communications channels

• Represent LAYF and IRMO in meetings and forums with partners, funders and youth sector networks

• Work closely with IRMO colleagues to ensure the wider needs of young people and families are supported holistically

• Recruit, supervise and support LAYF volunteers

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and may change depending on the needs and development of the organisation.

Person Specification

The list below outlines the experience, knowledge and skills we’re looking for. It will be used in shortlisting and interviews. If you meet the essential criteria but not the desirable ones, we still encourage you to apply.

Essential

• At least one year’s experience working with young people in the UK

• Experience designing and delivering engaging programmes for young people

• Experience providing one-to-one coaching to young people

• Experience using M&E tools to collect baseline/progress data and contribute to reports

• Able to build trust with young people and maintain clear professional boundaries

• Ability to manage your workload, meet deadlines and respond to changing demands

• Resourceful and creative, with a problem-solving mindset

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Spanish

• Competent with Google Workspace, video conferencing tools, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Strong understanding of safeguarding

• Strong understanding of the barriers faced by young Latin Americans in the UK

• Clear commitment to IRMO’s vision, mission and values

• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends

Desirable

• Experience supervising or supporting volunteers

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Portuguese

• Qualification in Youth Work

• Qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)

• Understanding of the UK not-for-profit sector, and UK education and employment systems for young people

Pre-employment checks 

Enhanced DBS check, two satisfactory references and evidence of right to work in the UK

BACKGROUND

For over thirty years, Asylum Aid has been providing legal representation to some of the most vulnerable people seeking asylum in the UK. Our welfare advice team provide generalist advice on welfare benefits, housing, asylum support and related issues to Westminster residents with refugee and migrant backgrounds who do not have English as a first language and who would otherwise be unable to access vital advice which enables them to avoid destitution, homelessness and food poverty. We deliver this advice as part of the Westminster Advice Services Partnership through a drop in and outreach at local community venues, and supported by local volunteers many of whom speak community languages.

The post of Appeals Support Advisor is a new post established with the benefit of a grant from Westminster City Council. The post holder will support clients with appeals and reconsideration requests in relation to welfare benefits and housing. This will allow us to provide a more comprehensive service for our clients, many of whom struggle to lodge appeals and reconsideration requests, and to gather evidence in support of their appeals without advice, due to language barriers.  The post holder will deliver advice in community languages, including with the assistance of interpreters, to local residents as part of our partnership work. Most of our clients are refugees, people seeking asylum and others with a refugee or migrant background. The Appeals Support Advisor will work with clients referred from Asylum Aid’s Information and Advice Service (including our weekly drop in) and from other partners in the local community. They will also provide training and supervision to the Generalist Advisor and our volunteers. External supervision will be arranged for the post holder.

The ideal candidate will be resident in or near to the City of Westminster and fluent in one or more community languages. In particular, fluency in one or more of the following is highly desirable: Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani/ other Kurdish dialects, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya.

As this is a new post delivering a specialist appeals and casework service from within our generalist advice team, it offers an exciting opportunity to set up and establish systems for the delivery of this service during the six month fixed term contract, including ensuring that case management processes are established which meet the requirements of our Lexcel quality mark and that clear referral procedures are established with the drop in service and our partners.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post-holder will:

· Be part of a generalist advice service, with special emphasis on language support, as part of the Westminster Advice Services Partnership (WASP), a collaboration of advice agencies Asylum Aid, Westminster Citizens Advice, Age UK Westminster, and Deaf PLUS Westminster Advice Service.

· Provide specialist appeals casework and support to clients who do not speak English as a first language and need to challenge decisions, request  mandatory reconsiderations, internal housing reviews, lodge appeals in relation to welfare benefits and housing.

· Provide ongoing casework support up to the Tribunal stage, including helping clients to gather evidence in support of their mandatory reconsiderations and appeals and preparing for hearings (but not including representation at hearings)

· Where capacity allows, help to deliver generalist face to face and telephone advice and information, in a community language and English, to migrants and asylum seekers on issues related to welfare benefits, housing and asylum support in accordance with Asylum Aid’s contract within the WASP partnership, and taking responsibility for the quality of advice given.

· Provide training and supervision to the Generalist Advisor and to volunteers, supporting the development of their advice skills and ensuring the quality of advice delivered throughout the advice service.

· Maintain a high standard of electronic case records (using AdvicePro) for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, monitoring and evaluation of the service, and to help identify issues to be raised through policy advocacy.

· Ensure that all casework is conducted in accordance with the Lexcel quality standard, including by establishing case management procedures for the delivery of specialist advice which meet the Lexcel standard, and participate as required in annual Lexcel quality mark audits

· Attend external and in-house training organised by Asylum Aid and regular supervision sessions to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge required to help deliver a quality advice service, and to keep up to date with changes in welfare benefits, housing and asylum support law

· Cascade information, changes,  and developments in social welfare law, including learning from external training, to other staff and volunteers who assist with the delivery of the welfare advice service

· Work effectively with partners to provide a seamless service for clients, making and receiving referrals and maintain up to date information about other service providers for the purposes of referrals and signposting. 

· Be responsible for achieving relevant targets for quality and quantity set by the WASP coordinator

· Provide case studies and other information from the work of the advice service to support policy advocacy and strategic legal work in support of Asylum Aid’s vision of fair and dignified treatment of people seeking asylum, refugees and other vulnerable migrants 

· Carry out any other tasks within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.

The post holder will need to be able to travel to and within Westminster to deliver advice at outreach locations as well as at a drop-in in or around the Church Street Estate. Travel expenses will be paid to attend locations away from Asylum Aid’s office(s) and the main location of our drop-in service (currently the Church Street library).

Other duties:

• Respect for client confidentiality at all times in line with Asylum Aid’s confidentiality agreements and consent forms. 

• To attend staff meetings as required.

• To undertake other duties which are generally compatible with the functions of the post.

• To comply with the organisation’s policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding, health and safety, diversity, equity & inclusion, confidentiality and security, as set out in the Office Manual as well the policies of other relevant partner organisations.

Person Specification

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

· At least 12 months’ experience of supporting benefits appeals through to Tribunal stage and Housing Reviews

· At least 5 years’ experience of working face to face with clients to deliver generalist advice in different areas of law including welfare benefits and housing

· Knowledge on a range of issues on which advice may be sought including health and social care, housing and welfare benefits, including a thorough and up to date understanding of social security and welfare benefits legislation and policy  

· Experience of managing a case load

· Knowledge or ability to understand and use relevant legislation

· Have completed Advice UK’s Learning to Advise training or hold the Citizens Advice Generalist Adviser certificate or an equivalent qualification

· Be fluent in written and spoken English as well as a second language spoken by a substantial proportion of the Westminster population, ideally Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani/ other Kurdish dialects, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya (to a standard that enables accurate advice to be given in the language)

· Experience of working with interpreters in the delivery of advice

· Able to meet deadlines, work under pressure, meet performance targets and take responsibility for their work, while working flexibly within a team environment

· Able to relate to a wide cross section of clients in a non-judgmental way.

· Able to use a range of IT systems and packages confidently and competently to be able to support and encourage others in using online systems and resources to enable them to self-help.

· Able and willing to learn and assimilate new knowledge in a working environment.

· Able to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively.

· Able and willing to work both on own initiative and as part of a team.

· Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of Asylum Aid service and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

· Good understanding of the needs of migrants and asylum seekers and the issues and barriers that affect them in UK.

Desirable:

· Experience of specialist advice work, including appeals and mandatory reconsiderations

· Friendly, polite, and patient

· Experience of working under a relevant quality mark such as the Advice Quality Standard or Lexcel

· Understanding of the housing and other support available to people seeking asylum who do not have the right to work in the UK

· Experience of working with volunteers

· Experience of supervising other advisers, including volunteers  

· Demonstrable understanding of issues facing vulnerable clients whose English is not the first language and many with mental health problems.

· Lived or learned experience of the difficulties that migrants and refugee communities face when they have to deal with the UK welfare system

· Personal experience and/or Knowledge of the advice process and experience in the areas of either benefits, housing or debt.

· Experience of using interpersonal skills, including sensitive listening, and questioning skills to understand the needs of others,

· Ability to communicate with other organisations, housing, and welfare departments.

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 9 June 2025.

The website form will ask you to:

1. Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your

relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2. Upload your current CV

3. Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

Selection Process

We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial 15-minute online screening meeting week commencing 16 June 2025, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interview week commencing 23 June 2025. We will also ask you to complete a short written task on the day.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Group Facilitator (Flourish - Refugee and Asylum Seeker Service)
Reference Number: 285
Salary scale: £27,000 per annum, pro rata
Contracted hours: 30 hours per week, Part-Time
Contract length: Permanent
Working base: Hertfordshire Countywide
Reports to: Senior Groups Coordinator

About the Service

This service sits within our Complex Needs and Community Services and are informal drop-in group for Refugees and Asylum Seekers. The groups centre on improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of refugees and asylum seekers, providing these individuals with a safe space to connect with peers. To help these individuals engage with diverse creative activities and develop their confidence and self-esteem whilst helping them integrate into Hertfordshire and the UK.

Service Objectives

• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with mental ill health.
• Support to build social networks and reduce isolation whilst settling into the Hertfordshire community this includes building a sustainable and empowering peer support network and building confidence and self-esteem.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• To work in a trauma informed way including awareness of the 6 principles of trauma informed practice, putting the clients emotional and practical needs at the forefront of this work.

Key Responsibilities:

• The purpose of this post is to promote and facilitate our Flourish peer support groups.
• To play an integral role in instilling HMN’s values through the Flourish refugee and asylum seeker service.
• Promoting and facilitating the Flourish groups
• To work as a team.
• To play a key part in the development and delivery of quality of support services.
• Planning and preparing for each weekly session, establishing the session aims, materials required and anticipated outcomes for people attending.
• Ensuring refugees and asylum seekers feel safe and supported within the group.
• Ensuring diversity across weekly sessions for service-users. 
• Liaising with translators and booking them where required to meet the needs of the groups.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of application: Ongoing until role is filled.
Interviews: Held on a rolling basis  
Please note: we reserve the right to close the post once we have reached maximum applications or filled the role.

Interested? 

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. 

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.

You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact. 

The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.

As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and strategy

·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy

·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework

·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;

·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;

·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;

·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;

·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.

Governance  

·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid

·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid

·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;

·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;

·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.

Management and Supervision 

·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;

·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;

·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;

·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.

Policy & Strategic Legal Work

·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;

·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;

·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.

Finance & Fundraising

·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;

·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;

·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.

Other duties

·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;

·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;

·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.

·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.

Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge

•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);

•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;

•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds

•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;

•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;

•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;

·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;

•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;

•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;

•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;

•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration,  asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;

•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;

•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and

•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.

Desirable Experience

·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems

·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;

·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 23 June 2025.

The website form will ask you to:

1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2.Upload your current CV

3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.

Selection Process

We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Wednesday 3rd July 2025, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Wednesday 9 July 2025.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they meet at least 50% of the essential criteria.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.

We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.

We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.

As the first Head of Operations, you will provide strategic oversight, work with staff to translate our strategy into actionable, measurable plans for efficient and effective work, which will enhance the impact for people in immigration detention.  Your management of the team’s operations will support our growth, resilience, and sustainability.

For futher information see the Application Pack

What they say about Medical Justice;

“What Medical Justice did was absolutely remarkable. They sent two specialists to see me in Harmondsworth and they did the most amazingly thorough job documenting all my scars. Then I got my medico-legal report which was over 40 pages long. They did thorough, professional work – there is nothing more that they could have done and ultimately this work got me out of detention.” – former detained person and Medical Justice client

“[Medical Justice] has strong characteristics and a highly respected reputation. It is regarded as principled, expert and evidence-based, tenacious in its casework and policy work, fierce and ferocious when needed and brave in the way it speaks truth to power.” – fellow non-governmental organisation

“Medical Justice has an outsized impact for its size – it is highly effective and the team is absolutely terrific, which is all the more impressive in the difficult political context.” – Medical Justice funder

Informal online information sessions

An opportunity to ask questions about Medical Justice and its work as well as about the Head of Operations role ;

12.30-1.30pm Thursday 22nd May

12.30-1.30 Thursday 5th June