Refugee council jobs in watford, hertfordshire

Welcome to Wimbledon Guild

We’re a community charity in Merton offering practical help and support. Wimbledon Guild is going from strength to strength, and we’re looking forward to appointing a new Counsellor for the Refugee and Asylum Seekers Service to work part-time in our Talking Therapies team. 

We describe our services to clients in this way:

Wimbledon Guild is a community charity in Merton offering practical help and support, so you’ll never have to face life’s challenges alone.

Whether you're worried about money, you’re feeling low or overwhelmed, or you’re looking for new friends and activities locally, we’re always here.

Wimbledon Guild is more than just a place, we're a real community where everyone belongs. 

We meet these objectives through a diverse range of services, which we are constantly developing in response to local need and local aspirations. We collaborate closely with partners in the statutory and voluntary sector, and with a thriving group of volunteers. Our Talking Therapies are well known and highly regarded in the local community, and we are a BACP Accredited Service. 

As our Counsellor (Refugee and Asylum Seekers Service), which is a post currently funded for 4 years, you will be responsible for a client load of 12 clients, offering up to 16 sessions. You will need to be responsible for all aspects of the work, including administrative procedures, following our police and protocols, including liaising with mental health services and onward referral where necessary.

You will be working as part of a well-established team of colleagues, within the department and organisation. The service predominantly works within a psychodynamic framework; therefore, a working knowledge of psychodynamic thinking is crucial for all those applying for this role including the ability to work with the unconscious and counter transference process that come up for yourself and in the work. 

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 7th July 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.

Southwark Law Centre is a charity offering free specialist legal advice and representation to individuals in Southwark and beyond. 

Southwark Law Centre

Job Description

Job Title: Operations Manager

Reports to: Executive Director

Salary: NJC Scale SP SP27-31 £41,580 - £44,480 (starting salary dependent on experience)

Hours: Full-Time – 35 hours per week

Main Objectives

· To oversee the smooth running of the Law Centre

· To ensure we have the right systems in place to support staff to work efficiently.  

· To identify opportunities to use tech to support our mission. 

· To lead on data, supporting us to tell our clients’ stories and to demonstrate the transformative nature of our work.

Key Responsibilities

1. IT Coordination

• Oversee the Law Centre’s IT systems to ensure they are secure, efficient, and meet the organisation's needs.
• Manage and develop the Law Centre's case management system to ensure it supports the effective delivery of services and reporting requirements.
• Liaise with external IT providers to coordinate maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting.
• Identify and implement opportunities for digital transformation and improved operational efficiency.
• Complete the annual Cyber Essentials return, ensuring that the organisation maintains the highest level of data security.
• Ensure the Law Centre makes use of the most appropriate and cost effective equipment, systems and software.
• Providing basic training to staff on systems and tools
• Maintain the asset register.
• Maintain the organisation’s IT plan and update it annually

2. Systems

· Lead on our paperless working processes

· Ensure that our Sharepoint site is set up logically and with the correct permissions in place.

· Develop our Sharepoint site in order that it functions as an intranet for sharing information internally.

· Negotiate and manage our contracts with printing providers

· Maintain regular reviews of the systems we’re using, assessing whether they are fit for purpose or not and whether there are alternative products which represent better value for money.

· Manage the organisation’s telephony.

3.  Data and Reporting

• Maintain a clear overview of the data collected by the organisation.
• Prepare reports from the case management system and other data collection tools to feed into reports and funding bids.
• Develop new reports to feed into our billing and accountancy as well as various audits.
• Review and analyse the organisation’s data to understand trends and to assist with service development.
• Play an integral role in using data to communicate the impact of the organisation.

4. Data Protection

· Overall responsibility for the data protection obligations of the organisation.

· Keeping abreast of changes and updates to Data Protection legislation.

· Delivering regular training to staff on Data Protection.

5. Finance and Billing

· Support the finance manager and practice manager by ensuring all systems are optimised for efficiency.

· Liaising with our payroll provider, responsible for running monthly payroll accurately, including keeping track of new starters and leavers.

· Support casework staff with training and technical solutions to allow them to bill files efficiently.

· When needed, to work with the finance manager and practice manager to coordinate regular payment runs. 

· Attendance at regular meetings of the Finance Sub-Committee.

6. Support to Executive Director

• Member of the senior management team, contributing to strategic planning and organisational development.
• Provide operational insights and recommendations to enhance the Law Centre’s performance and service delivery.
• Coordinate and chair regular meetings of the IT Working Group
• Report regularly to the Trustees on operational issues

7. Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including health and safety and data protection (GDPR).
• Participate in and ensure the smooth running of the annual Lexcel audit as well as other regular audits.

8. Professional Development

• To attend regular support and supervision and appraisal meetings.
• To keep up-to-date and to meet identified learning and development needs as appropriate.

9. Teamwork and Service Development

• To attend and contribute to staff meetings

• To attend and actively participate in other meetings as required, and to take an active role in the planning and development of the Law Centre.
• To network and liaise with external agencies as agreed.

10. General

• To uphold and promote the Aims and Principles of the Law Centre
• To be available to work outside normal office hours on occasion as required and notified in advance.
• To undertake any other duties that are compatible with the functions of the post.

Person Specification

Essential

• Excellent IT skills with extensive experience working with Excel and other Microsoft Office products as well as database products.
• A minimum of two years experience in a similar role, or relevant transferrable skills.
• Ability to develop, maintain and report on data and compliance records, including the ability to impart information in an understandable way.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organised with the ability to set priorities, meet goals and evaluate processes and results.
• Confident, self reliant, capable of taking the initiative and working autonomously.
• Good attention to detail.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills. 

Desirable

• Experience managing and developing case management systems or similar software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and supplier relationships effectively.
• Experience in supporting legal or advice services organisations.
• Knowledge of the operational challenges facing community-based organisations.

Please visit our website to download an application pack

Closing date for applications: 28 July 2025 at 9am

Interviews will take place on: 6 August 2025 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Project Lead to manage and collaborate with an external development/implementation partner and coordinate the smooth adoption of Salesforce within the Charity.  This critical role will be responsible for the full project lifecycle, from planning and requirements gathering to execution, testing, training, and post-implementation support. You will be the central point of contact for all project stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration throughout the project.

 Main Responsibilities

• Work with the Director or Finance & Operations (DFO)  to invite tenders for and engage a development / implementation partner to support the adoption of this phase of Salesforce implementation
• Work with the development/implementation partner to develop detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. Manage the execution of these plans, tracking progress, and ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Coordinate with the implementation partner to gather and document business requirements from relevant team members to translate these into technical specifications.
• Lead and motivate key stakeholders including the implementation partner and end-users. Foster a collaborative environment and ensure effective communication between team members.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all project stakeholders, providing regular updates on project status, risks, and issues. Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure their buy-in throughout the project.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate potential project risks. Develop contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges and ensure project success.
• Define and implement quality assurance processes to ensure the delivered Salesforce solution meets business requirements and is free of defects. Oversee testing activities and ensure proper documentation of test results.
• Develop and execute change management plans to ensure smooth user adoption of the new Salesforce solution. Provide training and support to end-users.
• Manage project budgets effectively, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, requirements documents, technical specifications, test plans, and user manuals.
• Providing updates against outcomes / budget to the Director of Development (Grants/Major Gifts) to enable rigorous, timely feedback to the project funder.

 Person specification 

• Proven experience (three years minimum) of leading digital transformation projects, with a strong focus on Salesforce implementations and customisations and a strong record of success.
• Deep understanding of Salesforce platform capabilities.
• Excellent project management skills, including budget and stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.  
• Ability to manage, coordinate and get buy-in from technically inexperienced team members.
• Experience with data migration and integration is a plus.
• An understanding of safeguarding data, confidentiality, safe working practices and GDPR compliance.
• Knowledge of appropriate project management frameworks (agile, waterfall) to set project scope, meeting key milestones and budget constraints
• An understanding of equal opportunities issues and a commitment to diversity.
• Commitment to Create, its activities and mission.

Terms & Conditions

• This is a part-time (0.6 FTE), fixed term contract for one year, with a review to extend at the end of that term.
• This role is based in London.
• Salary: £45,000 per annum pro rata (0.6 FTE).
• Holiday: 25 days (including 3 faith days*) + 8 Public Holidays pro rata.
• A beautiful office based in the City of London. Hybrid working is available following induction period.
• 21-hour week: standard office hours are 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday with an hour for lunch. Work outside these hours is required on occasions.
• The opportunity to visit projects and Showcase events.
• As part of Create’s Green Action Plan, the charity offers the Cycle to Work scheme. T&C Apply.
• In line with Create’s Safeguarding Policy, all staff are required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which Create will carry out upon appointment.

*  Create closes the office over the Christmas period. For staff members who celebrate other faith days, however, the charity is happy to discuss alternative dates.

Create is committed to a policy of equal opportunities embracing diversity in all areas of activity and positively welcomes applications from disabled people and people of all ethnicities.