Registered manager children service jobs in Manchester

This is a people-facing, system-focused role. The MEL Systems Officer is responsible for maintaining the quality, organisation, and user uptake of Practical Action's online MEL system. You will develop the protocols that guide how data is entered and maintained, and support internal teams to follow them, ensuring colleagues always have accurate data to draw on for reporting, learning and influencing.

This role requires high degrees of organisational skills, demonstrating a methodical and people-oriented approach. You will act as a bridge between the MEL system and our internal MEL community, ensuring the system is user friendly, contains high-quality data, and that users feel supported in using it.

1. SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION & ORGANISATION • Ensure high-quality and well organised MEL data, system structures, indicators, results, and templates and carry out routine data quality checks to ensure consistency. • Work with the Data & Insights team to ensure Power BI reports are optimised, providing useful management information for analysis and decision making. • Maintain clear, accessible user guidance documentation and standard operating procedures. • Coordinate with system providers and IT colleagues to develop system upgrades and fixes, and ensure smooth integration with the Outcome Harvesting system. 

2. USER SUPPORT & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING • Act as the primary point of contact for MEL and programme staff on system queries, providing high quality customer support, managing user accounts, permissions and access. • Routinely deliver onboarding and training sessions for new and existing users. • Build strong relationships across our MEL community, proactively identifying challenges and opportunities for system improvements.

3. REPORTING & DASHBOARDS • Produce organisational impact dashboards, MEL reports, and supporting information for both annual and donor reporting, all in clear, accessible formats for a range of stakeholders. • Support MEL colleagues to extract and present data for project reviews, evaluations and learning processes.

4. MEL PROCESS SUPPORT • Incorporate theories of change, results frameworks and indicators into the system as they develop over time, working with MEL colleagues to incorporate latest thinking. • Support knowledge sharing within internal communities of practice by ensuring that reports, evaluations, learning products and evidence are accessible on internal platforms. • Provide technical MEL advice and support to programme teams and II&I colleagues as required.

PERSON PROFILE Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

ESSENTIAL

• Applicants must hold a Bachelors Degree

Experience administering online data systems, databases or digital platforms, with confidence working with structured data and reporting tools.

• Highly organised and methodical, with a drive to produce high-quality output. • Confident communicator and relationship builder, with a focus on nurturing team coherence. • Demonstrable experience in leading and delivering training and user support.

• Good understanding of MEL concepts, indicators, results frameworks, data collection and theories of change. • Ability to explain system or data processes clearly to non-technical audiences.

• Fluent English, written and spoken. DESIRABLE

• Experience working in an international development or NGO context. • Familiarity with MEL or data collection platforms (e.g. Kobo, or similar).

• Experience producing dashboards or data visualisations (e.g. Power BI, Tableau, Excel).  Proficiency in one or more additional languages, Spanish, French or Arabic particularly.

LOCATIONS: UK, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Peru, Boliva, Nepal or Bangladesh 

It is a requirement of employment that you are able to provide the necessary documentation as proof of entitlement to legally work in the country to which you are applying

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please submit a copy of your CV and supporting that includes the answers to the following questions:

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. Please describe your experience administering an online data system, database or digital platform. What was the system, what was your role in managing it, and how did you ensure the quality and consistency of the data held within it

2. This role involves supporting a wide range of colleagues, many of whom are not technical specialists, to use our MEL system confidently and correctly. Please give an example of a time you have delivered training or user support on a system or process. What approach did you take, and how did you know it was effective?

3. Please describe your understanding of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) in an organisational context. What experience do you have working with results frameworks, indicators or theories of change, and how have you applied this in practice? 

Location: Remote (Based in England & Wales with occasional travel required)

Salary: £24,479 - £25,360 pro rata (£9,792 - £10,144 actual)

Hours of work: 14 hours per week 

Contract type: Permanent

Why work for Kids Matter?

• Generous annual leave – 25 days (plus bank holidays) per year pro rata, with time off between Christmas and New Year's additional to this allowance.
• Remote working contribution – receive £26/month pro rata towards the costs of working from home and/or using a co-working space.
• Access to coaching sessions, training opportunities and our Employee Assistance Programme (a confidential support service for staff).
• Flexible working across weekdays to suit your schedule.

About us

Kids Matter is one of the UK’s fastest growing children’s charities.

Our vision is to see every child in need raised in a strong family. Our mission is to reduce the impact of poverty on children through community-based parenting programmes.

Research shows that group-based early intervention parenting groups are the most effective way to support children in need. We train peer facilitators in local churches - the largest voluntary body in the country - to run our affordable, accessible and highly effective parenting programmes, written by Clinical Psychologists. They come alongside parents and carers, building long-lasting community in addition to encouraging confidence and learning positive parenting skills.

We value difference and diversity, and we want our workplace to be built on shared values of equality and mutual trust, with team members representing the wide range of backgrounds and experiences that exist within the UK. We therefore actively encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds and varied experiences, particularly those who are African, Afro-Caribbean, Asian or part of other minority ethnic communities, who have lived experience of the impact of low-income/low-support circumstances, and who are living with a disability or identify as being neurodivergent.

About the role

The Accounts Assistant role involves:

• Processing day-to-day finances, ensuring all bank accounts and transactions are reconciled and coded correctly on Xero at month end.
• Ensuring all income is accurately processed and recorded on Xero and our CRM system (Beacon).
• Generating invoices as required, inputting into Xero, and chasing outstanding payments
• Overseeing and managing the expense card system (Volopa), topping up individual cards as required and processing payments
• Supporting the Finance Manager in the planning and production of accurate annual budgets.
• Supporting the Finance Manager with preparing documents required for annual audit.

About you

Are you organised with good attention to detail? Do you have booking training or experience? Are you a Christian with an active faith in Jesus? Do you have a passion for Kids Matter’s vision of seeing every child in need raised in a strong family?

Then we would love to hear from you!

How to apply

You can apply for the Accounts Assistant position by clicking ‘Apply via Website’ and completing a copy of our online application form.

The deadline for applications is Monday 25th May at 4pm. All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email.

We also ask for all applicants to submit an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, which will be sent to you to complete following the submission of your application. This form will be used for anonymous analysis to ensure our overall recruitment procedures are fair and transparent. It will never be viewed or used as part of the selection process. It is optional to submit this form.

If you would like any application/interview support or you need any reasonable adjustments throughout the application process, or if you would like an informal phone call to ask questions or discuss the role, please contact Katie Washington (HR & Systems Manager).

Please see the job pack for more details on the role and application process.

GMRC is a registered charity working with adult women who are victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

We are looking for a qualified Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) to join our friendly and committed team.

Your role will be to support women practically and emotionally as they go through the criminal justice system.

PLEASE NOTE

this role is restricted to female applicants under the Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010)

Overall Objectives

To work within a multi-agency setting to provide a proactive service to adult victims of sexual violence within and outside the criminal justice system to:

• Risk assess and maintain client safety
• Help clients access their rights
• Monitor and keep clients informed of case progress and provide support through the criminal justice system
• Help clients access health and other services they require
• Build ongoing relationships with loved ones of a victim/survivor engaged in the ISVA service
• Provide an information point for loved ones on the CJS

Applicants who are not yet ISVA‑qualified, but who have relevant experience working within the criminal justice system and/or sexual violence services will also be considered. In this case, the successful candidate would be supported to complete the ISVA qualification.

During the training year, the salary would be £28,000 per annum, reflecting the cost of training and supervision. On successful completion of the ISVA qualification, the salary would increase to £30,000 per annum.

The salary for a qualified ISVA would be £30,000 – £32,000, depending on experience.

If you have a trauma informed and feminist ethos and want to contribute to changing and improving the lives of survivors of sexual violence, we would love to hear from you.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible working TBC
• Generous annual leave (30 days a year exc. BH)
• Pension contributions
• Reasonable travel expenses
• Free on-site parking

#isva #independentsexualviolenceadvisor #advoacy

Chapter One is a dynamic, growing charity with a vision of a world in which all children have the literacy skills needed to thrive. Our mission is to close the reading gap by providing children with one-to-one support at the time they need it most. 

Our unique Online Reading Volunteer programme currently supports around 3,600 children a year. It pairs disadvantaged, struggling five to eight-year old (KS1) readers with reading support volunteers who come from over 170 local and national businesses. The volunteer ask is very focused: readers commit 30 minutes a week to read with a child using a bespoke digital platform for an entire academic year. The results are transformative, boosting children's reading confidence and ability. 

Our Volunteer Engagement Department, which the Volunteer Support Assistant role will be part of, ensures that volunteers have everything that they need to make a success of their reading sessions with pupils. 

For more information about our programmes please visit our website. Please also take some time to visit our social media channels and watch our videos.

About the role:

Please read the attached Job Description PDF.

The required start date is Monday 3rd August 2026. This is a part-time role of 20 hours per week, working 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday. The set working hours are 10:00 - 14:00. Please note that the start date and hours are fixed in line with business needs and cannot be adjusted.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and the post-holder must be permanently based in the UK at the time of applying and for the duration of their employment. All Chapter One employees must attend quarterly in-person staff meetings held in various locations across the UK (all expenses covered); attendance and participation is mandatory.

Applying for the role:

Please do not send any applications or correspondence via the Chapter One website. If you’d like to ask anything about the role, you’ll have the chance to do so if you progress to the next stage.

Please read the attached Job Description PDF, and write a cover letter. Your cover letter should:

• Clearly outline your suitability for this role, paying attention to the essential qualities listed within the attached Job Description PDF, and how you can apply these to the main duties of the role.

• Show your interest and understanding of Chapter One.

Any applications without a cover letter will be discarded.

As part of your application, you will be asked some questions designed to allow you to showcase key skills required for this role. Please spend up to 30 minutes on this part of your application, and please read all questions carefully.

Please note that, due to the high volume of applications we expect to receive, we’re unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted at the first stage

Deadline for applications: 

23:30 on Sunday 31st May 2026. No applications will be accepted after this time. We will actively review applications throughout the period of the advertisement. We encourage early applicants as we reserve the right to bring the closing date forward if this is deemed necessary due to volume of applicants.

Next steps:

During shortlisting, your CV, cover letter and answers to the application questions will be reviewed together by senior members of the Volunteer Support Team. If successful, the next stage will be an interview via a video call. There will be at least one further stage after this. Whether successful or unsuccessful, all applicants will be contacted as soon as we are able to. Please monitor your junk/spam email folder regularly, we make contact from the Charity Job website directly and often these emails are detected as spam. 

Chapter One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and celebrate diversity in backgrounds and experience and are deliberate about the kind of inclusive teams we are building. Literacy is a universal concern, and we need people from all backgrounds to maximise our innovation, creativity and impact. We especially welcome applications from persons who have experienced disadvantage and/or from those who are of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

Permanent | Full Time | Circa £30,000 + Excellent Benefits

Location: Central Scotland | Community Based/Home Working

Make a Difference Every Day

For more than 100 years, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been supporting the RAF Family. We are a key partner in the Royal Air Force’s mission to look after its people during and after service, ensuring that this service is valued, recognised, and people are supported even when uniforms are eventually shed. We are a national charity with international reach, delivering emotional, financial and practical support wherever and whenever it is needed. Each year, our vital services and support continued to help those serving, families, veterans, and the bereaved, in 30 other countries and in 2024 more than 64,000 people benefitted from the charity’s work.

As an organisation, we encourage learning and development and there will be ample opportunity to learn more about the Royal Air Force, the broad impact of the Fund’s work as well as developing your own skillset. 

Do you want to play a part in what we do?

People are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we:

• Provide personalised support to members of the RAF Family – listening carefully, offering guidance, and tailoring our services to individual circumstances so no one is left behind.
• Improve quality of life for serving and former RAF personnel and their families through life-changing financial assistance, housing support, and help with essential living costs.
• Increase independence by enabling members of the RAF Family to live life on their own terms, whether through mobility equipment or housing adaptations.
• Enhance wellbeing for those who serve and have served, and their families, through mental health and emotional support, youth programmes, and restorative respite and holiday breaks.

About the Role

We are seeking an individual to undertake the dual role of promoting the profile of the RAF Benevolent Funds welfare offer, whilst also carrying out welfare casework. This is a community-based position working from home but covering South Central Scotland.

Post holders will be expected to undertake holistic assessment of need both remotely (over the telephone and online) and when required in person across their region. You will be expected to work with individuals who may have complex and sometimes challenging welfare needs, assisting them by identifying appropriate support from within both the RAF Benevolent Fund and the wider statutory and military charity sector, ensuring that support is made available to meet their need through the case working process.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in a social welfare role supporting individuals and will have strong people and relationship-building skills, as well as empathy with or understanding of issues affecting the Armed Forces community.

This is home based and the candidate must have their own vehicle for use of traveling around the region covered. Occasional travel to London will be required.

Additional Information

· Driver’s License

· Enhanced DBS check

· Must have the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply
Click [here] to submit your CV and a cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit, including examples of how you meet the job profile.

Closing Date: Friday 22nd May 2026, 5:00pm.

A copy of the Fund’s Candidate Privacy Notice can be found on our website. As an equal opportunities employer, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. The Fund takes safeguarding seriously, and appropriate background checks will be completed. You can find out more about our commitment to safeguarding on our website.

The RAF Benevolent Fund follows Safer Recruitment practices as it strives to ensure that everyone who comes into contact with the Fund will be protected from harm. The successful candidate for this role will need to be Enhanced DBS checked and prove they have the right to work in the UK. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Fund.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is a Registered Charity (No. 1081009).

Job Purpose

Reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, the post holder will be responsible for leading on quality assurance and compliance across the organisation, including managing and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standard and GDPR, allowing Ygam to achieve its strategic objectives effectively and efficiently. The role will also have responsibility for certification of programmes with CPD.

Key Tasks

• Lead and encourage a culture of continual improvement across the organisation.

• Plan, organise and complete internal audits to ensure compliance with ISO standard and identify business risks.

• Review and evaluate operational procedures to ensure continuous improvement and maintain ISO9001 certification.

• Manage the internal non-conformance process (DV8) identifying root cause, trends and corrective actions.

• Liaise with external auditors to facilitate the annual ISO audit.

• Take responsibility for Ygam’s GDPR compliance supported by the In-house Lawyer and Head of Information Systems.

• Manage policies, due diligence and consent processes, ensuring that these are adhered to across the organisation.

• Oversee Ygam’s Quality Management System (Help Hub) and ensure this is kept up to date across the organisation.

• Lead the submission for CPD certification of programmes as required.

• Prepare reports for the Senior Leadership Team and Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and attend meetings where required, including internal audit updates, results of quality audits, etc.

• Support the management of operational risk, including maintaining Ygam’s RAID Register and ensuring that this is kept up to date across the organisation.

• Line manage Ygam’s In-House Lawyer who works for the organisation 1 day per week, primarily on contracts and GDPR compliance.

· Any other ad-hoc tasks for QA and compliance, and back-office support as required

Person Specification

Essential criteria:

· Significant experience of quality management, compliance and process improvement, including ISO 9001 certification.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret and implement ISO standards.

· Experience of providing an internal audit service.

· Experience of producing reports suitable for SLT and board committee level consideration.

· Excellent knowledge of GDPR compliance, including consents processes.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work with and influence colleagues at all levels across the organisation.

· Strong IT skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

· Experience of driving projects to achieve agreed outcomes.

· Strong administration, time management and prioritising skills.

· Attention to detail and high standards of accuracy.

· Demonstrable diplomacy and ability to work in confidence

· Self-starter with ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

· Willingness to travel regionally and nationally occasionally as required.

· Right to live and work in the UK.

Desirable criteria:

· Experience of working in the not for profit/charitable sector.

· Experience of working in a remote or hybrid environment with a geographically dispersed workforce.

Qualified Low Intensity Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) – NHS Pathfinder Partnership

GMRC is a registered charity working with adult women who are victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

PLEASE NOTE

This role is restricted to female applicants only under the Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010)

We are seeking a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) or Low Intensity Psychological Worker to support survivors of sexual trauma and their loved ones through evidence-based, low‑intensity psychological interventions.

You will work closely with a wide network of main contacts and partners, including PCFT GM Resilience Hub, TRC, Greater Manchester Rape Crisis, Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH), local authority partners, third‑sector organisations, multi‑disciplinary teams, service users and carers, and services across the adult mental health pathway.

The role operates across three sites within Greater Manchester, making the ability and willingness to travel between sites essential. You will work flexibly in partner organisation settings and in the community, collaborating with individuals, carers and multi‑agency providers to assess and identify social care needs that may present barriers to clients addressing their sexual trauma.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver evidence‑based, low‑intensity interventions for survivors of sexual harm and their loved ones
• Support clients through effective engagement, communication and practical coordination
• Work collaboratively with the Community Development team, counsellors and volunteers to ensure survivors can access appropriate and timely support
• Manage communication between clients, partners and services, contributing to joined‑up, trauma‑informed care
• Assist in supporting and working alongside volunteers where required

• Engage with women‑only services and partner organisations to ensure safe, inclusive and responsive support

About you

You will be a qualified and experienced practitioner with a background in mental health, trauma‑informed practice and engagement. Experience of working within women‑only services supporting those who have experienced sexual harm and their loved ones is highly valued, though we also welcome applicants with strong transferable skills.

If you’re passionate about supporting survivors, working collaboratively across complex systems, and making a meaningful difference to people’s recovery and wellbeing, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave (30 days a year exc. BH pro rata for a part time post)
• Pension contributions
• Reasonable travel expenses
• Free on-site parking

#wellbeing #wellbeing practitioner #psychological wellbeing #psychological wellbeing practitioner #wellbeing #mental health #mental health practitioner #mental wellbeing

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

We currently have employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new strategy, On a Mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

Job Summary

This role forms a key part of a new Strategy & Insight Team at Bowel Cancer UK, which seeks to build core capabilities to enable us to be as effective as we can be for people affected by bowel cancer. The Audience Insight Specialist will be an internal leader, building our capability to understand our core audiences and the people we need to reach to achieve our strategic goals. You will support a cultural shift in how the charity takes an audience-led approach to planning, decision-making, and communications, as our CRM, data infrastructure, and Strategy & Insight functions continue to develop. Making best use of internal and external sources, you will distil data into meaningful insight, tailored to different audiences. You will support a consistent approach to audiences across the organisation, while flexing to meet the needs of different teams, ensuring that any understanding of audience is rooted in evidence.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

Community Fundraising Assistant - North 

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.​

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - North, to join our Community and Digital Fundraising team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in either Scotland, North East England, North West England or the East Midlands? 

​

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack which is included within this advert.​​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

​

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

We currently have employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new strategy, On a Mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

Job Summary

As the Senior Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer, and with the support of the Senior Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager you will be responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of public affairs and campaigns activity in order to achieve real change through influencing policy and legislation on health services which impact the lives of people affected by bowel cancer in England, with a particular focus on Westminster.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

Adoption Social Worker – Barnardo's

Do you want to make a genuine difference in the lives of children, young people, and families? If so, we'd love to welcome you into our passionate and supportive Adoption Service here at Barnardo's. We have a wonderful opportunity for a committed and creative Social Worker to join our Pan‑Wales Adoption Team. Working with us means joining a compassionate group of professionals who believe deeply in the power of safe, loving, and lasting family relationships—and who will value your contribution every step of the way.

Why join Barnardo's?

At Barnardo's, we believe in quality over quantity. You'll hold a manageable caseload that allows you to truly focus on the children and families you're supporting. You'll benefit from regular supervision, peer support, emotional wellbeing resources and a workplace culture built on kindness, reflection, and professional growth.

We offer hybrid working across Wales, giving you the flexibility to organise your work in a way that supports both your priorities and your wellbeing. We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, safe and supportive environment for all our staff.

 About the role

As a Social Worker within our Adoption Service, you will:

• Recruit, assess and train prospective and approved adoptive parents as part of our CIW‑registered service
• Provide thoughtful, tailored pre‑ and post‑placement support to adoptive families
• Offer training and therapeutic, relationship‑focused interventions that acknowledge the impact of trauma, loss and early adversity
• Work with hope, creativity and empathy as you help families build secure and lasting connections
• Contribute to the ongoing development of our service through reflective practice, learning and professional curiosity

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, motivated, and passionate about achieving the very best outcomes for children. You'll be supported to work therapeutically and to grow your skills through ongoing development opportunities.

What we're looking for

• A qualified Social Worker with registration (or eligibility to register)
• Someone who embraces learning and wants to grow within a highly experienced team
• A compassionate, resilient practitioner who believes in children and in the power of family

Thinking of applying?

If this sounds like the next step in your journey, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Please refer to the Person Specification and Job Description when completing your application, reflecting on how your skills, experience and values align with the needs of the service.

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th June 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Prospectus is proud to be partnering with our client, a small, specialist health charity dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Dravet Syndrome.

Dravet Syndrome is a rare, life-long and life-limiting form of epilepsy that affects approximately one in every 15,000 people in the UK (around 2-4,000 people in total). It is a complex epilepsy syndrome so as well as severe, difficult-to-control seizures, people with Dravet Syndrome live with intellectual disability and a spectrum of associated difficulties including with speech and language, mobility, behaviours, eating and sleep. It is also common to have a co-diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD.

Founded in 2008 by a group of parents seeking support and information, DSUK has grown significantly over the past 17 years. Today, DSUK supports nearly 600 registered families across the UK and reaches over 2000 people in total, including parents and carers, siblings and bereaved families. As an organisation they deliver a range of impactful services aimed at improving the lives of beneficiaries through family support, professional education and medical research.

At a time of continued growth for the charity, and as medical advancements in the field continue (including clinical trials for the first gene therapies in rare epilepsy), DSUK are now looking to recruit a strategic, collaborative new CEO to help shape the next stage of their journey.

As the organisation’s new CEO, you will provide inspiring, values-driven leadership across the organisation, holding overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations and long-term growth. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees to develop and deliver the organisation’s next five-year strategy, steering organisational priorities, strengthening culture and ensuring the charity continues to grow, both in terms of scale and in impact. You will lead a small, dedicated, cross-functional team across family support, fundraising, communications and research, driving collaboration across all teams. You will also lead on impact and quality, embedding a culture of learning and continuous improvement. A key part of your role will involve developing and building strong relationships with a range of stakeholders, including families, professionals, researchers, pharmaceutical companies as well as other charities and funders. You will also represent DSUK at relevant conferences and sector events, both in the UK and occasionally internationally.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a small, specialist, growing organisation providing life-changing services. To apply for this role, you will be a confident, collaborative leader with significant senior leadership experience in the charity or not for profit sector (experience of working in a rare disease, health, disability or patient advocacy charity is desirable). You will have demonstrable experience of scaling an organisation, and navigating the complexity that growth brings. You will be a skilled communicator, confident at building relationships across health, care or community sectors. You will be resilient, adaptable and comfortable with the breadth and pace of working as a senior leader within a small charity.

If you are interested in applying for this exciting position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call to fully brief you on the role.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Victoria Savva at Prospectus.

Please note, this will be home-based with regular travel across the UK (and occasional international travel). Working hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:30 (however some flexibility for evenings and weekends is required).

Recruitment Timetable:
Deadline for initial CV interest – Wednesday 20th May
Deadline for applications – Tuesday 26th May
First stage interviews - Monday 8th, Tuesday 9th or Thursday 11th June
Final stage interviews – Friday 26th June

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records.

There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project.  We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.

This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including:  coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks. 

Main responsibilities

 Planning & strategy delivery

•  Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy
•  Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities
•  Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)
•  Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement
• Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.

Practical engagement and involvement

• Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups
• Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme.  To include, for example:
  • Managing and supporting Youth Advisors
  • Running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)
  • Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary
• Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK
• Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals
• Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers
• Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.

Team support

• Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
• Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
• Sharing examples of emerging good practice and impact across the research team.
• Line managing an Engagement and Involvement Officer

Wider

• Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider communities of practice
• Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
• Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.

Knowledge, skills and experience

 Essential criteria

Engagement and involvement

•  Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)
•  A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting
• Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement,  including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice
• Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including  marginalised and vulnerable groups
• Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration
• Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.

Other essential criteria

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.
• Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals
• Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
• Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)

Desirable criteria

• Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement
• Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience
• Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood
• Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks
• Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
• Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)

Dimensions

• This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available).

Please apply via CharityJob, making sure to answer the screening questions in full.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 31st May. 

Interviews are currently expected to be held Wednesday 1st/Thursday 2nd July.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.