Regional safeguarding advisor jobs

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: While not required to be based in London, this role does require a regular presence in our London office and pan London sites, with a minimum of one day per week onsite. Home working is available in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy. Occasional travel may also be required to other locations across Crisis.

Roles: We are currently recruiting for two permanent vacancies.

About the role

Crisis is recruiting 2 x People Advisors to collaborate with a variety of Directorates including Client Services, Commerce and Enterprise, People and Resources, and Policy and Social Change. The roles will work closely with other People Team colleagues to enable the People and Culture function to boldly deliver an excellent service to Crisis’s managers and people.

These are varied and exciting roles, with a primary focus on managing employee relations caseloads, alongside opportunities to contribute to People and Culture policies, wellbeing initiatives and project work to make a positive impact across the directorates you support.

As a People Advisor, you will be given autonomy to apply your expertise in employee relations, engagement, and people policy to provide customer focussed, pragmatic, and credible advice to managers ensuring equitable practices throughout as priority. These are fantastic opportunities in a supportive and friendly team!

About you

To be successful in these roles you will have experience of advising on a range of employment areas. You will be able to demonstrate how you’ve advised and supported managers through, sometimes complex ER issues, to reach a resolution. You will be confident in your knowledge, ability and interpretation of employment law and best practice, and comfortable building relationships with colleagues, to provide appropriate challenge. You will be interested in shaping People and Culture policy and implementing modern practices.

It would be desirable for one of the roles if you have experience of providing People (HR) support in a charity retail environment with the ability to travel and meet with our managers on site across our London shops and warehouse. Both roles will support some of our client services across the UK so occasional travel to some of our regional locations would be required to support the leadership teams on site.

If this sounds like you and you want to help deliver our People Team advisory service at this exciting time, we want to hear from you.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Wednesday 15th April 2026 at 23:59

Interview date and location: Wednesday 29th April 2026 – Online via Microsoft Teams

Interview process: Competency-based interview + written task.

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

Accessibility

We welcome applications from people who identify as neuro diverse and want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email  our Talent Acquisition team who will contact you to discuss how we can help. (Contact details on our website)
 
Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094

Job Title: Regional Operations Manager 
Location: Midlands (flexible – with travel across delivery areas)
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer  
Contract Type: 2 years fixed term contract, Full-Time
Salary: £40,000 pa
Start Date:  March / April 2026 
 

Role Purpose 
The Regional Operations Manager will be responsible for the effective day-to-day delivery of The Skill Mill programmes, ensuring seamless coordination between The Skill Mill Supervisors, local Youth Justice Services, Pathways Advisors, and the Commercial Sales Manager. The role will focus on operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and the smooth running of activities that contribute to The Skill Mill’s social impact. 
 

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Coordination 

- Oversee and support The Skill Mill Supervisors to ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and impactful work programmes. 
- Act as the central point of contact between Supervisors, Youth Justice Services, Pathways Advisors, and the Commercial Sales Manager. 
- Monitor daily operations and resolve any operational challenges quickly and effectively. 
- Ensure all work complies with organisational policies, procedures, and health & safety regulations. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management:

- Build strong, collaborative relationships with local Youth Justice Services and Pathways Advisors to support young people’s progression. 
- Work closely with the Commercial Sales Manager to align operational delivery with commercial project requirements and client expectations. 
- Represent The Skill Mill at operational and partnership meetings. 

Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

- Track and monitor project progress, ensuring that targets for social outcomes and commercial delivery are met. 
- Prepare and present operational performance reports to the Senior Management Team. 
- Implement systems to measure quality, efficiency, and impact. 
 

Team Support & Development 

- Support and mentor Supervisors to maintain high standards of practice and delivery. 
- Identify training needs and facilitate professional development opportunities. 
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture. 
 

Person Specification:
Essential 

- Experience in operational or project management, ideally in a social enterprise, youth justice, or community development setting. 
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. 
- Proven ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and workstreams. 
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and work under pressure. 
- Knowledge of safeguarding, youth justice, and/or working with vulnerable young people. 
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and project management tools. 
- Commitment to The Skill Mill’s mission and values. 

Desirable 

- Experience managing commercial contracts or community-based service delivery. 
- Understanding of outcomes-based commissioning. 
- Health & Safety qualification or equivalent experience. 

Key Relationships 

- The Skill Mill Supervisors 
- Youth Justice Services 
- Pathways Advisors 
- Commercial Sales Manager 
- Senior Management Team 
- External partners and clients 
 

About The Skill Mill:

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background.

The Skill Mill is an innovative social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives and communities. We provide employment opportunities for young people with criminal convictions, equipping them with skills and experience through delivering high-quality environmental services, such as grounds maintenance, horticulture, and flood prevention. Our mission is to reduce reoffending, enhance employability, and create sustainable social and environmental impact.

Job Title: Regional Operations Manager 
Location: North of England (flexible – with travel across delivery areas)
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer  
Contract Type: 2 years fixed term contract, Full-Time
Salary: £40,000 pa
Start Date:  March / April 2026 
 

Role Purpose 
The Regional Operations Manager will be responsible for the effective day-to-day delivery of The Skill Mill programmes, ensuring seamless coordination between The Skill Mill Supervisors, local Youth Justice Services, Pathways Advisors, and the Commercial Sales Manager. The role will focus on operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and the smooth running of activities that contribute to The Skill Mill’s social impact. 
 

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Coordination 

- Oversee and support The Skill Mill Supervisors to ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and impactful work programmes. 
- Act as the central point of contact between Supervisors, Youth Justice Services, Pathways Advisors, and the Commercial Sales Manager. 
- Monitor daily operations and resolve any operational challenges quickly and effectively. 
- Ensure all work complies with organisational policies, procedures, and health & safety regulations. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management:

- Build strong, collaborative relationships with local Youth Justice Services and Pathways Advisors to support young people’s progression. 
- Work closely with the Commercial Sales Manager to align operational delivery with commercial project requirements and client expectations. 
- Represent The Skill Mill at operational and partnership meetings. 

Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

- Track and monitor project progress, ensuring that targets for social outcomes and commercial delivery are met. 
- Prepare and present operational performance reports to the Senior Management Team. 
- Implement systems to measure quality, efficiency, and impact. 
 

Team Support & Development 

- Support and mentor Supervisors to maintain high standards of practice and delivery. 
- Identify training needs and facilitate professional development opportunities. 
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture. 
 

Person Specification:

Essential 

- Experience in operational or project management, ideally in a social enterprise, youth justice, or community development setting. 
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. 
- Proven ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and workstreams. 
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and work under pressure. 
- Knowledge of safeguarding, youth justice, and/or working with vulnerable young people. 
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and project management tools. 
- Commitment to The Skill Mill’s mission and values. 

Desirable 

- Experience managing commercial contracts or community-based service delivery. 
- Understanding of outcomes-based commissioning. 
- Health & Safety qualification or equivalent experience. 
 

Key Relationships 

- The Skill Mill Supervisors 
- Youth Justice Services 
- Pathways Advisors 
- Commercial Sales Manager 
- Senior Management Team 
- External partners and clients 

The Vacancy

Are you a committed compliance and risk professional looking to apply your expertise to improve humanitarian action? Join Start Network — a growing, values-driven network transforming the way crises are anticipated and responded to globally.

WHAT IS START NETWORK?

Our purpose is to be a catalyst for system-level change that improves the efficiency, effectiveness

and ethics of humanitarian action. We do this by working as a network to develop, test & spread

new ways of collaborating and resourcing locally-led crisis response and anticipation.

Our current membership is made up of over 130 local, national and international NGOs based all

around the world. We also support 10 national and regional hubs made up of civil society

organisations and NGOs as our vehicle for devolving power, resources and accountability

THE ROLE

The Risk and Compliance Advisor forms a key part of the Assurance Team, which provides confidence to senior leadership and the Board that Start Network’s risk management and control environment is effective.

The postholder will support organisation‑wide risk management, compliance processes and member capacity strengthening. This role requires excellent communication skills, sound judgement, and the ability to navigate complex issues calmly and logically.

Risk Management: Support organisation‑wide risk identification, assessment and monitoring; maintain risk registers; embed risk processes in planning and decision‑making.

Investigations: Coordinate external investigations into fraud, corruption and anti-money laundering, including managing specialists.

Sanctions & Vetting: Support vetting processes and keep vetting data accurate and up to date.

Compliance: Deliver compliance spot checks, ensure donor due‑diligence commitments are met

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We’re looking for someone with solid experience in risk, assurance and compliance, who can confidently support teams across a fast‑moving, values‑driven humanitarian network. You’ll bring strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to manage complex cases, including fraud and corruption matters. You’ll be comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, handling sensitive information, and supporting organisation‑wide risk processes.

You should be confident using data and digital tools, able to explain complex issues clearly, and proactive in strengthening risk management and compliance systems.

Experience in the humanitarian or nonprofit sector, professional risk qualifications, or experience in capacity strengthening are a bonus but not essential.

OUR VALUES

WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST: Communities come first in our decision-making and programming.

WE ARE BRAVE: We have great ambition and are willing to explore new things and take risks to achieve it

WE OPERATE COLLECTIVELY: We leverage the value of working as a network, sharing risk and resources, and learning together.

WE ARE INCLUSIVE: We see the value in diverse perspectives and work to remove the barriers that prevent voices from being heard.

WE ARE OPEN: We work transparently and with integrity, building mutual trust in all levels of our work, from governance to programming.

WE ARE ETHICAL: We behave and operate based on key principles of anti-racism, non-discrimination, and anti-colonialism. This is a work in progress.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

• Being a part of a network involved in bringing change to the humanitarian sector.
• Hybrid working with options to work from home and remotely to support your work/life balance
• Employee Assistance Programme through Smart Health (depends on the country based)
• Family friendly policies, e.g., flexible working, maternity policy, parental leave and more!
• 25 days’ holiday (if UK based) plus 2 company days over the End of Year period for all staff (depends on the country based)

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Our roles are open to discussion about flexible working. For part-time working and job-shares, please get in touch with us before putting in an application.

Start Network is committed to protecting people, particularly children, at-risk adults and affected populations from any harm. We are also committed to safeguarding staff from any forms of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power as outlined in the Dignity at Work policy. Start Network embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and eliminates unlawful discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and treat every application on merit alone. We particularly encourage applications from disabled, BAME, LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria set out in the Person Profile.

APPLICATION

Please contact the People and Culture Team if you have any questions or need support with your application. Please email P&C team. 

We use Be Applied, our online recruitment platform which uses anonymised applications and predictive, skill-based assessments which are blind- reviewed to reduce bias.

Closing date: 10th April 2026

Date for 1st Interview:  Week commencing 13th April (Subject to change)

Date for 2nd Interview: Week commencing 27th April (Subject to change)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications and we may review candidates on an ongoing basis, so please apply early where possible to avoid disappointment.

Any offer of employment will be conditional subject to relevant checks. Please refer to our privacy candidate privacy notice regarding treatment of your data. Start Network also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. The core of the scheme is that participating organisations share information about safeguarding-related misconduct (i.e., sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment) that a candidate has been found to have committed during employment, or incidents under investigation when the candidate left employment. For more information regarding this scheme, please visit our website. 

The Company

Start Network is made up of more than 90 non-governmental organisations across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to local and national NGOs. Our programmes allow members to deliver humanitarian action around the world.

Our mission is to create a new era of humanitarian action that will save even more lives. We aren’t driven by media headlines or political will, we’re here for the communities affected by and at risk of crises.

We are an organisation committed to doing things differently. For some roles, we need more technical humanitarian expertise, but for other roles, we are looking for relevant transferable skills, the right attitude, and a passion to bring change.

The Charity advisor and partnership coordinator will play a pivotal role within Barnsley CVS’s growing and ambitious team, supporting local VCSE organisations to grow in strength, knowledge and connections.

This varied and dynamic role offers the opportunity to provide advice and guidance to VCSE organisations, create and develop resources and training, build and strengthen partnerships and play a role in ensuring the voice of the community has a influence in Barnsley’s development.  Your role will help ensure organisations and partnerships run efficiently and effectively. You will also provide flexible first-contact support, contributing to the professional and welcoming operation of the organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an organised and experienced VCSE professional to impart knowledge to others and make a tangible difference in the borough. The role offers exposure to a wide range of community-focused projects and the chance to be an integral part of a team driving positive change.

Salary: £33,612 FTE (£22,711 pro rata)

Hours: 25 hours per week

Reportable to: Head of Partnerships and Operations

Responsible for: No current direct reports but may develop volunteer or staff reports

Benefits:

- Flexible work start time and finish

- 5% pension contribution

- Additional annual leave days given between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed

- Volunteer leave of your choice equivalent to one full work week

- Free tea and coffee

- Free parking in the town centre

- Personal training budget provided

We are looking for a good communicator who is excited by God‘s generosity and provision, and keen to encourage and support our diverse parishes as they embed digital giving in an ever changing digital landscape.   Digital giving is an increasingly important income stream for churches. Hear from one of our vicars about the success of their Give to go 'Green digital fundraising'

We have a strong partnership with our parishes with a positive culture of generosity and commitment to each other. Our parish share scheme, the Parish Support Fund, is a generosity-based offering scheme with collection rates of 99+%. 

This role is currently a full-time role, focusing on supporting parishes with digital giving, helping with technical issues as well as encouraging best fundraising practice. It might suit someone who is a recent graduate and who is interested in technology, and developing their experience in digital fundraising, training and communication. A part-time could be accommodated.. Many of our staff work flexibly. Please indicate in your application and talk to us at the interview about the flexibility and work hours you would prefer.

Are you interested in church or charity fundraising and looking for a new challenge?

No prior knowledge of digital giving mechanisms is needed – full training will be given. Would you like to join us, be willing to learn and work with us as we seek to be a Diocese that is Christ- centred and outward focused? If so, please read on in the information pack.

We are looking for a Global Climate & Agriculture Market Analyst to connect environmental science with agricultural economics. In this role, you will lead the development of climate-focused funding strategies and provide guidance on how carbon markets align with Tearfund's goals. You will be the go-to expert on trends in climate finance, changes in regulations, and the financial tools used to support projects that reduce emissions and help communities adapt to climate change.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Provide global strategic leadership in finance for nature-based projects, focusing on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), agri-businesses, and climate adaptation.
• Climate & Market Analysis: Analyze the impact of climate change on crop yields and track economic trends in agribusiness and carbon markets.
• Capacity Building: Design and deliver global training curricula to transform regional advisors into technical experts in green entrepreneurship and climate finance.
• Quality Assurance: Develop thematic standards for climate agri-markets and ensure rigorous Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV).
• Global Representation: Act as the lead technical voice in global forums, building strategic partnerships with institutional donors and climate investors.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Education: A degree in Agricultural Economics, Environmental Science, or Business Administration (Master's degree preferred).
• Experience: Substantial expertise in climate finance, carbon monitoring, green businesses, or agri-tech. You should have experience in community development or humanitarian response in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.
• Skills: Strong strategic thinking with the ability to analyze complex market data and carbon pricing. You must be fluent in English, with additional proficiency in French, Swahili, or Arabic being highly desirable.
• Personal Qualities: A committed Christian with a personal relationship with God, who is fully committed to Tearfund's mission, values, and beliefs.

If you are a highly skilled professional ready to make a profound difference, we encourage you to apply.

Hybrid working for UK candidates: This role is eligible for hybrid working and you will be required to work from the Tearfund Teddington office and from your home by agreement with the line manager. 

Contract: This is a 2 year, full time fixed term contract and salary will be market related and based on location.

All applicants must be committed to Tearfund's Christian beliefs.

The recruitment process will include specific checks related to safeguarding issues. In addition, personal identification information will be submitted against a Watchlist database to check against criminal convictions as a counter-terror measure.

Purpose of the job

UK Youth exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning. ​

​

To do this, we work with a network of youth organisations delivering youth work and outdoor learning youth work across the UK, as well as national, regional and specialist infrastructure bodies that collectively strengthen the impact and sustainability of the sector.​

​

Together, this network forms a connected system focused on one shared aim: widening the reach and deepening the impact of youth work and outdoor learning.​

As our Network Manager, you will live and breathe our network, developing a deep understanding of the makeup, needs and priorities of network members to lead effective engagement and establish a high quality experience. You’ll drive a number of projects and steward relationships as part of our evolving offer, focusing on listening, moving from a transactional to a relational approach to supporting and learning from our network, equipping leaders with the skills, networks, and confidence to deliver exceptional support to young people.

You’ll support the Head of Network Development and the Senior Leadership Team to evolve UKY’s network offer as part of our new strategy. You will be a key advocate for the sector, ensuring our network remains responsive, resilient, and well equipped to meet emerging opportunities and challenges.

The role requires deep understanding and experience  of the youth sector, the ability to confidently build relationships with leaders of practice and organisations, as well as a highly organised, and proactive individual with strong project management and excellent stakeholder management skills.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning. We support a network of thousands of youth organisations across the UK to improve young lives every day. At the same time, we are transforming the policies, investment, and ideas needed to future-proof youth work and outdoor learning for generations to com e:

• We back youth work leaders with the evidence, connections, and investment they need to thrive.

• We keep youth work effective with research, large-scale pilot programmes, and professional development initiatives.

• And we work with young changemakers to inspire lasting change in the attitudes of the public and funders.

Key responsibilities

• Relationship Building, Network Onboarding and Partnerships

• Network Engagement, Experience and Capacity Building

• Planning, Budget and Resource Management

• Leadership and Management

Experience we're after

• Experience delivering youth work practice with young people.

• Understanding of youth policy, workforce challenges, and sector-wide trends including the changing aspirations and needs of young people and the impact of youth work in supporting these.

• Knowledge of youth sector infrastructure organisations and their roles at national, regional, and local levels.

• Strong programme and project management expertise, including a demonstrable track record of successfully leading and managing large-scale or complex programmes and projects in a previous role.

• Excellent relational and stakeholder engagement skills, with proven experience building and maintaining relationships across diverse organisations.

• Proven experience in network development, membership engagement, or partnership management within the charity, youth, or community sector.

• Experience in workforce development, training, or skills enhancement within a sector-focused setting.

• Excellent line management skills, with experience developing staff and effectively managing performance.

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse audiences in a variety of settings.

• Experience in budget management and financial planning.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 7th April 2026 at 09:00am

Provisional Interview Dates: 13th and 14th April

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Organisation: The Skill Mill
Location: Remote, with expectations to travel to Gateshead and occasional travel to other UK locations
Salary: £45,000 pa 
Contract Type: 2 years fixed term contract, Full-Time
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Job Purpose:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a pivotal role in driving the operational success of The Skill Mill. Working closely with the CEO, the COO will oversee day-to-day operations through line-management of the 3 regional Operations Managers, will ensure the delivery of exceptional services, and will support the growth of our social enterprise model across the UK and beyond. This is a strategic leadership position, requiring a dynamic individual with a passion for social impact, operational excellence, and business development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee all operational functions, including service delivery, project management, and workforce coordination, ensuring high standards and client satisfaction.

• Strategic Growth: Collaborate with the CEO to develop and implement expansion plans, identifying new partnerships, contracts, and opportunities to scale The Skill Mill’s impact, ensuring operational readiness and quality as the organisation scales.

• Team Management: Lead, motivate, and develop The Skill Mill’s operational delivery teams (see attached structure chart), including the Operations Managers, the Pathway Advisors, and the Supervisors, fostering a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement. Lead workforce planning, staff development and wellbeing to ensure a sustainable, motivated and resilient workforce.

• Financial Oversight: Work with the finance team to manage budgets, monitor performance against targets, and ensure cost-effective operations while maintaining quality.

• Governance: Supporting organisation and partnership governance by contributing to papers, risk registers and performance reports, engaging in solution-focused discussion at relevant forums, and ensuring feedback loops with operational delivery teams.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, commercial clients, criminal justice partners, and community organisations.

• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all activities comply with legal, regulatory, and health and safety standards, mitigating risks effectively and escalating through appropriate organisational and legal pathways where necessary.

• Safeguarding: Act as senior lead and an initial escalation point for safeguarding, ensuring robust policies, training, reporting and continuous improvement.

• Impact:

         - Measurement: Monitor and report on social and environmental outcomes, ensuring alignment with The Skill Mill’s mission and funding requirements.

         - Performance: Work alongside partners, including Social Outcomes, evaluation and funding partners to drive performance in line with key success milestones, and engage in collaborative problem-solving to improve the offer and overcome challenges.

         - Quality Assurance: Contribute to organisational quality assurance processes by providing operational insight to support effective monitoring and review. Facilitate and support quality assurance audits, reviews and continuous improvement practices across operational delivery, working closely with operational delivery teams and relevant partners to ensure learning is embedded and service standards are consistently met.

• Innovation: Drive operational efficiencies and explore innovative approaches to service delivery and trainee support.
   

Person Specification:
Experience:

• An understanding of, and sensitivity to, working with vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

Skills and Abilities:

• A values-led approach to strategy, with the ability to balance social impact, quality, and financial sustainability in strategic and operational decision-making.

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with a collaborative and empowering approach.

• Confident in using insights from performance data and information to drive continuous improvement

• A clear, confident and inclusive communication style, with the ability to engage, motivate and align within the organisation and externally

• A collaborative approach to partnership working, with the ability to navigate differing priorities and build trusted relationships across sectors/ stakeholders.

• Proficiency in working with digital tools that support operational efficiency (e.g., CRMs, project management software, Microsoft Office/Google Suite)

• Ability to translate organisational strategy into actionable operational plans
  ​

Personal Attributes:​

• Passionate about social justice, youth development, and environmental sustainability

• Resilient, adaptable, and solution-focused, with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

• Commitment to The Skill Mill’s values of opportunity, integrity, and excellence.
  ​

What We Offer:​

• The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people and the environment.

• A supportive and purpose-driven work environment.

• Opportunities for professional growth as part of a growing social enterprise.
   

Essential Requirements:

Experience:

• Proven senior leadership experience in managing operations, ideally within criminal justice or a social enterprise, charity, or environmental services sector.

• Demonstrable ability to lead and manage complex operational delivery in multiple geographical areas, ensuring quality and consistency across teams.

• Demonstrable success in growing an organisation or enhancing service delivery, including securing contracts and partnerships.

• Experience managing diverse teams in a hybrid work environment

• Experience of working effectively with external partners, including commissioners, criminal justice agencies and/or commercial organisations.
   

Skills and Abilities:

• Analytical mindset with experience in budgeting, performance monitoring, and process improvement.
   

Qualifications and Certifications:

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification (e.g., business management, operations, or social enterprise leadership) is preferred but not essential.

• Enhanced DBS check is required.

About The Skill Mill:

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background.

The Skill Mill is an innovative social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives and communities. We provide employment opportunities for young people with criminal convictions, equipping them with skills and experience through delivering high-quality environmental services, such as grounds maintenance, horticulture, and flood prevention. Our mission is to reduce reoffending, enhance employability, and create sustainable social and environmental impact.

Salary: £62,651 per annum

Contract Type:                         Fixed Term Contract – Maternity Cover (up to 12 months)

Closing date:                         12 April 2026 at 11pm

Interview date:                      4 – 15 May 2026

About CARE

CARE International is a global humanitarian organisation leading the fight to end poverty in the world’s most challenging situations. Women and girls are at the centre of our work, because we cannot overcome poverty and inequality until all people have equal rights and opportunities. We know that when a crisis erupts, women are often the first to pick up the pieces, so we work alongside women, so they have the power to make change where it’s needed most. Founded in 1945, CARE currently works in over 100 countries and last year alone reached 53.4 million people through nearly 1,500 projects.

Why work for CARE International UK?

CARE International UK is currently developing its new 4-year Strategy working within the CARE International Vision 2030, which will launch in July 2026. The strategy will build on our focus on women’s leadership in crisis, seeking to work more directly with women’s rights/women-led organisations. The post-holder will be joining us just as we begin implementing the strategy, and this will be an exciting time to shape new and evolving ways of working with women’s rights activists from across the globe. The Advocacy and Influencing team are central to achieving the goals of the strategy by encouraging the UK  Government and other UK-based stakeholders to use their power on the world stage to counter the rollback on women’s rights.

The Head of Advocacy and Influencing is a key organisational leadership role and will be part of the CIUK Extended Leadership Team working with other heads of team and the senior leadership team to help run the organisation effectively and deliver the 4-year strategy.

About you

You will have significant experience of advocacy and/or public affairs with a track record of driving strategies that achieve measurable policy, attitude or legislative change. You will be a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills in English, and the ability to translate complex issues into plain English. You will have experience of project management and preferably budget management, particularly team or donor-funded project management. You will be media trained and confident speaking to and influencing a range of external senior stakeholders.

In past roles, you will have line managed colleagues and may have managed teams, and will know how to work with others, including in coalition with other organisations, to design and deliver advocacy campaigns. You will understand how to motivate your team to deliver against an organizational strategy. Your leadership style will be aligned with CIUK’s feminist leadership principles and values. You will have strong understanding of, and preferably experience working on, international development issues, in particular with reference to gender equality.

About the role

The Head of Advocacy and Influencing is a leadership role with significant responsibility for external analysis and positioning for CIUK - including through regular updates to the board Impact and Transformation Committee. The role is responsible for providing strategic direction for CIUK and CI’s advocacy and influencing and leading the team to deliver UK and globally facing advocacy campaigns. The role is responsible for ensuring high quality publications and managing sign off and profile risks as part of CIUK’s risk management strategy. The Head of Advocacy and Influencing will also act as a senior external spokesperson for the organization to the media, parliament and public events. The role has significant responsibility for positioning and meeting expectations of donors who fund the team’s work.  The Head of Advocacy and Influencing is critical for ensuring the CEO and SLT have up-to-date power analysis, political analysis and policy lines for external engagement with high level targets.  

As the manager and contract holder for the Centenary Action Group campaign and fundraising coordinator and a standing member on the Steering board of the Centenary Action Group, the role also manages CARE UK’s role as a convener and ally of the UK women’s rights movement in line with our global commitment to shift the power and localization.

The role covers four main areas of responsibility:

Strategic Leadership & Delivery

Play a key role in the delivery of CIUK’s new 4-year strategy. Lead cross-organisational teams to deliver high quality policy analysis, advocacy and campaign strategies to UK government, parliamentary and private sector targets. Work with communications to design and deliver integrated campaign plans.

External representation and relationship management

Build the visibility and reputation of CIUK by building and managing key external relationships in government, parliament, private sector and across the sector, including in coalitions and alliances. Provide strategic advice on political developments, external opportunities, and risks, ensuring timely and well-informed positioning, and prepare the CEO/SLT for high-level external engagements. Serve as a senior spokesperson for CIUK in political, media, and public forums. Work with the CARE confederation to develop advocacy lines and approaches.

Thought leadership and Policy Development

Provide strategic leadership of the Gates Foundation partnership, delivering against expectations and securing further funding from this and other donors. Ensure a rigorous evidence base for CIUK’s policy agenda, both by working with CIUK’s team of thematic experts, as well as commissioning and managing research projects where needed. Prepare and approve briefings, position papers, op-eds and other communications in support of CARE UK’s influencing goals. Oversee CIUK’s strategic role in Centenary Action, including representation on the Steering Group and overall coordination. 

Team and line management

Set and drive the advocacy and influencing team’s annual plans and contribution to the organisation’s strategic priorities. Be accountable to delivering on team KPIs and organisational KPIs that link to the team’s work, and for managing the team’s budget. Play a key role in the leadership of the Programme and Policy department. Provide strong line management to direct reports and demonstrate a strong personal commitment to CIUK’s equity, diversity and inclusion goals and feminist leadership principles.

Right to Work in the UK

All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of appointment. Proof of right to work will be required as part of the recruitment process. For more information, please visit the UK Government's guidance on right to work. Where you do not have current right to work in the UK, then this will be discussed with you as part of the recruitment process. Please note that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship and further information (should you require sponsorship to work in the UK) on eligibility can be found here.

Safeguarding 

CARE International UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse to, sexual harassment of or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. CARE International UK expects all staff to share this commitment through our Safeguarding Policy (link here) and our Code of Conduct (link here). They are responsible for ensuring they understand and work within the remit of these policies throughout their time at CARE International UK.

Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. All offers of employment at CARE International UK are subject to: 

· Satisfactory references. CARE International UK participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (link here).  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. 

· Appropriate criminal record checks (including a Bridger check, link here).

By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to Equality and value Diversity. We are a Disability Confident Employer and particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role (see person specification). If you require the candidate brief or need to submit your application in an alternative format, because of a disability, please do get in touch by sending an email to HR.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from people of underrepresented backgrounds, including those from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.