Safeguarding specialist jobs

The Head of Safeguarding is a new role for the organisation. You will lead our safeguarding strategy and practice, ensuring we provide the highest standards of safety and care for the young people we support. You will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, overseeing quality, consistency and continual development of safeguarding practice across the organisation. You will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement relevant safeguarding policies, facilitate staff training, embed learning from incidents, and ensure safeguarding is understood as everyone’s responsibility.

We are happy to consider candidates taking their first step into leadership and we will consider exceptional part time candidates to ensure we find the right person or people for the role. We particularly welcome candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities as these are overrepresented communities in our services and yet underrepresented within our leadership.

• Permanent, full-time role in our Leadership Team (part-time considered)
• Salary: £46,800 (salary scale £46,800-£52,000)
• Deadline to apply: 9am, Friday 30 January 2026

Location: Shaw House, 27 West Way, Oxford, OX2 0QH/Flexible Working
Department: Service Delivery
Salary: £42,500 plus £2,500 car allowance
Hours: 35
Contract Type: Permanent
 
RABI is the farmers charity.
 
RABI supports farming people across England, Wales and NI with expert, one-to-one practical, financial and emotional help, all year round. From confidential advice and mental health support to direct financial assistance, their tailored services respond to the unique challenges of farming life.
 
At the heart of RABI’s mission is a commitment to strengthening resilience; helping farming people feel valued, supported and better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change. RABI is working to close the farming wellbeing gap and build a future where farming people can thrive.
 
Over the past 25 years alone, RABI has delivered almost £250 Million in direct financial support to the farming community, whilst the charity’s professional counselling service has provided 11,500 free sessions to farming people since 2022. RABI’s wrap-around support services continue to evolve, reaching more people year on year.
 
RABI is on a journey to help shape a future farmers deserve.
 
Key Purpose
 
The Safeguarding Manager is a pivotal leadership position at RABI, responsible for spearheading the organisation’s dedication to safeguarding and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone connected to our work. You will lead the operational development, implementation, and oversight of RABI’s safeguarding policies and procedures, while line-managing and mentoring the Safeguarding Officer.
 
This role also serves as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), assuming all DDSL responsibilities when the Senior Service Delivery Manager (DSL) is unavailable.
 
You will play a key role in embedding a trauma-informed, person-centred safeguarding culture across the organisation, ensuring that staff, volunteers, and partners understand how trauma affects behaviour, engagement, and recovery, and that this understanding underpins every safeguarding response.
 
Key Responsibilities:
 
Leadership & Team Management

• Provide clear, supportive, and developmental line management to the Safeguarding Officer, overseeing daily tasks, case management, and professional growth.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex or high-risk safeguarding concerns, applying a trauma-informed approach that prioritises safety, empowerment, and dignity.
• Oversee referrals to RABI’s counselling and wellbeing services, ensuring a compassionate and responsive approach in line with internal and external SLAs.
• Foster a reflective team culture that values emotional safety, supervision, and professional resilience.

 
Policy, Compliance & Training

• Lead the development and continuous enhancement of RABI’s safeguarding policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure alignment with current legislation, trauma-informed best practice, and regulatory expectations.
• Ensure consistent compliance across all departments, embedding safeguarding and trauma awareness as core organisational values.
• Design and oversee delivery of a comprehensive annual safeguarding training programme that includes trauma-informed principles, empowering the Safeguarding Officer to deliver foundational sessions and personally conducting advanced training.
• Maintain expert knowledge of safeguarding practice changes, trauma theory, and statutory guidance, ensuring RABI’s approach remains sector leading.

 
Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Translate complex safeguarding data and trends into actionable insights, providing trauma-aware analysis and recommendations to the DSL and senior leadership team.
• Monitor and evaluate safeguarding processes, identifying lessons learned and opportunities to strengthen trauma-informed practice.
• Promote safeguarding and trauma-informed best practices through reflective learning and cross-team collaboration.

 
External Engagement & Collaboration

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with safeguarding bodies, regulatory authorities, and sector partners.
• Represent RABI at external safeguarding forums, networks, and working groups.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in Volunteering, Fundraising, Partnerships, and Service Delivery to embed safeguarding into all projects and services.
• Ensure staff and volunteers fully understand escalation routes and safeguarding expectations.

 
PERSON SPECIFICATION
 
Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Significant experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) in a complex organisation.
• Proven experience in leading, managing, and developing a team within a safeguarding or related operational context.
• Up-to-date specialist safeguarding training for adults and children.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and trauma-informed approaches to practice.
• Strong risk assessment skills, with ability to manage complex cases and make sound judgments.
• Excellent communication, report-writing, and record-keeping skills.
• Experience providing safeguarding support and guidance to staff and volunteers working with at-risk adults, children, and families.
• Proficiency with safeguarding data recording systems.
• Highly organised, with ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, capable of influencing and engaging diverse stakeholders.

 
Desirable:

• Relevant degree or equivalent demonstrable experience in safeguarding, social work, or a related field.
• Qualification or CPD in trauma-informed practice.
• A background or knowledge of the farming community.

 
Personal Attributes:

• Empathetic, emotional intelligent. approachable, and able to build trust quickly.
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and professional judgement.
• Resilient, flexible, and solution focused.
• Committed to inclusivity, equality, and ethical practice.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with a drive for continuous improvement.

 
Additional Requirements
 
Full driving licence with willingness to travel nationally when required.
Commitment to ongoing safeguarding and professional development training.
 
This role profile is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder according to future developments at RABI.
 
Early applications are encouraged for this position as shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a suitable application prior to the deadline
 
BENEFITS

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (based on full time working).
• Enrolment to Nest on commencement of employment and then opportunity to join RABI’s group pension scheme with Standard Life where RABI make contributions equivalent to 10% of your basic salary, provided you make a personal contribution of 5%.
• Life assurance from day one.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site parking.

 
RABI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and aims to ensure that all employment practices promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect, and no employee or applicant receives less favourable treatment because of their sex, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, belief, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic that cannot be justified. Recruitment and development decisions are made solely on the basis of skills, experience, qualifications and abilities.
 
REF-226 023

The time commitment will be approximately 20 panel sessions per year, with a payment rate of £500 per panel, plus reasonable expenses incurred. Attendance at 2 training sessions per year is required and travel expenses will be covered. Panel sessions are held online.

PACT is one of the UK’s leading independent adoption charities, placing children with secure and loving families and supporting them with specialist therapeutic support.

Our external Adoption Panel Members play a vital role at PACT by carefully considering applications from those wishing to become adoptive parents. We are currently seeking an independent Adoption Panel Chair, to lead our online panel in making fair, informed recommendation outcomes to a high quality standard.

You will bring an understanding of the adoption process, gained from professional or personal experience, and will be competently skilled in chairing complex meetings. You’ll be capable of facilitating active participation and ensure the panel operates within a clear regulatory and policy framework.

With an awareness of the richness of different kinds of families and their potential for meeting children/s needs, we would love to hear from you if you can bring different experiences, knowledge and perspectives to our panel member group. 

We are actively working to ensure that equality and inclusion is embedded in everything that we do. It is central to our work with vulnerable children and families, and championed by our community. However, we know there is more we can do. We want to do all we can for our service users, and we want everyone at PACT to feel a sense of belonging. To support this aim, we are working proactively to develop a panel member group that it is representative of our diverse service users (both current and prospective), volunteer community and our wider eco-system. We also know the value of having panel members who champion inclusive values and bring a wide variety of perspectives to our organisation. We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and experience to apply for this role.

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please visit our website to find contact details for our Panel Advisor.

If you believe you can contribute to the skills and diversity of our panel as Independent Adoption Panel Chair, then visit our website to apply today to join a dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful. We look forward to hearing from you!

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Fri 30 January 2026

Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 18 February 2026

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Independent Adoption Panel, Adoption Panel Member, Adoption Panel Representative, Adoption Panel Chair, Adoption Panel Vice Chair, etc.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

Overview

FearFree delivers services across the Southwest for victims, children and perpetrators of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking with the aim to break the cycle of abuse and support all to live free from fear. We provide trauma responsive support, and this post will be fundamental to ensuring service users, stakeholders and partners experience this in our daily delivery.

This ISAC role is set within the Wiltshire Domestic Abuse service, providing specialist stalking advice, consultancy and support to high risk victims of domestic abuse stalking across Wiltshire. You will be working in a multiagency environment including police, other statutory bodies and third sector organisations to respond to and safeguard high risk victims, bridging gaps in their support.

FearFree is committed to flexible and hybrid working and this role will be a mix of home based and office based, alongside requiring travel for multi-agency meetings and other deliverables.

This role may include evening and weekend work when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with high risk victims of domestic abuse stalking, providing a targeted service, promoting safety as the central issue and thus reducing the risk of serious harm or death.
• To provide this service both at time of crisis and in longer term e.g. safety planning, risk assessing advocacy, support through the criminal justice/civil legal process and liaison with other statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Complete specialist risk assessments (SASH and DASH).
• Manage a caseload ensuring each person receives the appropriate service individual to their risk and needs.
• Provide proactive, trauma responsive and holistic support, with a focus on increasing safety and reducing risk.
• Work with criminal justice agencies as well as a variety of partners including Victim Support, Children’s Social Care and Housing, to ensure a comprehensive approach to risk.
• Provide specialist advocacy to victims going through the criminal justice process.
• Attend Multi Agency meetings (Stalking Clinic) and Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) and Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) meetings as required.
• Give information and support to those experiencing stalking, enabling and empowering them to make positive choices about options available to them and assist them in regaining control of their lives.
• Support other agencies in the identification and referral of stalking issues via promotion of service and institutional advocacy.
• Offer professional consultancy, training and advice to other agencies on stalking.
• Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services works in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.
• Support colleagues and Head of Service to monitor data and report on quality outcomes.

Application

To apply, please download the full job description/person specification along with the application and equality monitoring forms. Please send the completed application form and optional equality monitoring form direct to FearFree. 

There is no specific closing date for this role and this vacancy will close once a suitable candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged. 

For information about the processing of your personal data at FearFree, please visit our website. 

FearFree is committed to encouraging equality and diversity in the workplace.  We strive to be a diverse and inclusive place to work where we can all be ourselves and individual differences are recognised and valued. 

The Advocacy Team Leader is a key operational leadership role responsible for the day-to-day delivery, coordination, and quality assurance of Respond’s specialist ISVA and advocacy services for autistic people and people with learning disabilities affected by sexual violence, trauma, or abuse. 

This role combines operational leadership, case allocation and triage, supervision and quality oversight, alongside holding a small caseload of complex cases. You will help ensure high-quality, trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming advocacy in line with ISVA national minimum standards, safeguarding requirements and contract outcomes. 

The Team Leader plays a central role in embedding trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming practice, supporting safe and reflective decision-making, and representing Respond in key operational and steering forums and working groups. And plays a vital role in building a culture of safe, accountable, and reflective practice and in ensuring advocacy services are delivered with care, consistency, and impact.

An accredited ISVA qualification is essential. 

This advert closes at midnight Thursday 18th February 2026 and interviews will be held Tuesday 24th February 2026.

About the Role

Headway East London is looking for a compassionate and motivated Community Support Worker to support adults living with brain injury across our 13 London borough catchment area. You will support members in their own homes and local communities. This is a varied, people-focused role where you will work one to one in the community, helping individuals live with greater independence, confidence and choice.

We have 2 available positions, a full-time role working 35 hours per week and the other part-time, working 25 hours per week.

If you want a role where your work genuinely changes lives, to make a real difference every day and aligns with strong charitable values, we would love to hear from you.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct support sessions to a regular caseload of members in the community as a lone worker with remote office assistance.
2. You will work to maximise and maintain their autonomy and independence in
   their home environment or within the local community.
3. You will work collaboratively with the member to plan, organise and implement
   daily activities by developing daily and weekly structure and wellbeing plans.
4. You will be responsible for being the first responder, with remote manager
   support, in the event of any incidents, safeguarding issues or behaviour that
   challenges during support sessions.
5. Accompany and support members to appointments with health and statutory
   care providers and provide accurate notes for future reference.
6. Accompany and support members to access social, leisure, educational and
   vocational activities in the community.
7. Maintain a maximum income for members through completing benefit and
   grant entitlement and assist with financial budgeting.
8. Provide appropriate and relevant advice, information and advocacy to members
   and their families. Where appropriate liaise with other professionals and statutory
   and non-statutory organisations to make referrals or signpost to appropriate
   support services.
9. Maintain accurate and factual monitoring notes on our online database and
   report any incidents.
10. Conduct and monitor specific therapy / support / rehabilitation and risk
    management plans in accordance with case managers, therapists and other
    professionals as required.

Key Relationships - Internal and External

Internal: Staff within the Service Department, Members (service users) and their families and carers.

External: External partners

Other

Apply the Headway East London values and behaviours to every aspect of the role at all times.

Protect and enhance the interests and reputation of Headway East London internally and externally.

Commit to the organisational principles of: coproduction equity, diversity and inclusion sustainability.

Headway East London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful frontline impact with a London-based charity supporting individuals involved in or at risk of sexual exploitation and survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. You will have the opportunity to build trusted relationships, advocate within complex systems and deliver holistic support that genuinely changes outcomes. If you are passionate about using your skills to support people to regaining safety, stability and choice in their lives,  please apply. 

Experienced Social Worker – 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.

The post-holder will be based at GMRC but work alongside TRC and MASH women’s services and Greater Manchester Pathfinder partnership, with service users who have experienced sexual trauma but who present with additional complex mental health needs.

Key responsibilties:

- They will work with service users in partner organisation settings and in the community, working collaboratively with individuals, carers and partners from local multi agency providers and services, to assess and identify social care needs that may be potential barriers to the client being able to address their sexual trauma.

- The post-holder will provide guidance, leadership and consultation on social care legislation and policy to the team and to other areas of mental health services, including joint working where appropriate.

- They will contribute to developing and maintaining high standards of decision making and professional practice in the field of social work.

- The post-holder will be responsible for a caseload of service users under the care of the Pathfinder Partnership, supporting them in their recovery journey.​

- They will provide specialist social work interventions to service users and their carers / families, and involve them in all planning, helping to develop social resilience, motivation and daily living skills.

Benefits:
- Flexible working TBC

- Generous annual leave (30 days a year exc. BH)

- Pension contributions

- Reasonable travel expenses

- Free on-site parking

#social work #social worker #support work #support worker #nhs #social work

Our Vacancy

Advice & Wellbeing Specialist - Make a real difference every day.

Location: Floating Outreach, covering, NE London, NW London, and South London

We’re looking for an Advice & Wellbeing Specialist to provide high-quality, holistic support to residents, helping them sustain tenancies and improve their wellbeing. This is a floating outreach role, so you’ll need to be prepared to work flexibly across NE London, NW London, and South London, with one day per week based in an office.

Your typical day could start by working with residents in their homes and neighbourhoods to understand their immediate needs. Later, you might deliver advice and wellbeing support in a community wellbeing hub before engaging with external stakeholders to build a strong network of support for our residents.

As an Advice & Wellbeing Specialist, you’ll deliver proactive and trauma-informed support tailored to residents’ needs. You’ll work closely with them to understand wellbeing concerns and agree an action plan to enable them to sustain their tenancies and feel connected to their community. You’ll empower residents through positive engagement, helping them develop skills and resilience to lead independent and fulfilled lives.

Your key responsibilities

You’ll deliver personalised, trauma-informed advice and wellbeing support in the community, taking a holistic approach to tenancy, health, and social needs. You’ll manage safeguarding cases with care, build strong relationships with internal teams like Neighbourhood Managers, Financial Inclusion, and Repairs, and collaborate with external partners such as local authorities, mental health services, and advice agencies. Alongside this, you’ll support wellbeing hubs and community events, keep accurate records, manage cases effectively, and use CRM systems to track and report outcomes.

About you

• Experience delivering a range of advice and wellbeing advocacy in outreach, face-to-face settings.
• Extensive experience managing a large and varied caseload.
• Highly organised, able to prioritise effectively.
• Self-motivated, resilient, with a successful track record of engaging and supporting people in vulnerable and complex circumstances.
• Backgrounds may include: social services, family support, drug & alcohol services, Citizens Advice, homelessness charities.
• Awareness of the client group and ability to work empathetically.
• Confident using IT systems and collaborating with partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel across London (licence helpful but not essential).
• Qualifications in advice, wellbeing, or related fields (e.g., counselling, coaching, welfare rights).
• Committed to our values: Be kind, Do the right thing, Keep our promises, Get things done, Do what you say you’re going to do.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a team that’s committed to making a real difference. We work simply, safely and smartly, always putting our customers first. We support each other, learn together, and celebrate success. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

Here’s what you’ll get when you join us:

• Flexible and hybrid working
• 30 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Up to 10% pension contribution, matched 1:1
• Two additional paid volunteering days each year
• Flexible benefits scheme, including options for healthcare, dental care, and more

What to expect from our recruitment process

We’re committed to a fair, inclusive, and transparent recruitment process.

First stage interviews/assessment will be held on MS Teams on the 9/10 February.

Second stage interviews will be held in person at our Westminster Bridge Road Office Pitsea Office on the 16 February.  

Closing date: 28 January 2026

Please read before you apply

• You must have the right to work in the UK; we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.
• We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
• This role will require an Enhanced DBS check.
• Travel will mainly be across London using public or own transport.

If you’re a proactive, values-led professional who thrives on building relationships, solving problems creatively, and delivering results for residents, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll need experience delivering advice and wellbeing support in outreach settings, managing complex caseloads, and working confidently with partners. Strong communication skills, resilience, and the ability to support vulnerable people are essential, along with a commitment to our values.

Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for the Advice & Wellbeing Specialist role.

Location: Sheffield and covering one other location TBC

Salary: Grade 7 - £49,488 per annum

Closing date: Sunday 1st February 2026  at 11.30 pm

Full time - 35 hours per week 

Join Shelter as a Managing Housing Solicitor, in our mission to drive systemic change and fight for Justice.

If you are a dedicated Solicitor with specialist knowledge in housing and homelessness law, and a strong commitment to addressing the housing crisis we welcome you to apply for this role.

At a time when the housing emergency continues to deepen, your experience could help transform lives and challenge the systems that perpetuate injustice. Come and play a central role in our mission as a Managing Solicitor to lead a team to defend the right to a safe, and secure home.

Working with Shelter means being part of a passionate team that believes a safe home is a fundamental right. Here, your legal skills don’t just change lives—they shape a fairer housing system.

About the role 

You will ensure you and your team will deliver high quality legal services and manage our Legal Aid Contract, with your main focus being on your own caseload and to manage and supervise the legal teams who are advocating for clients with housing issues, as well as bringing about systemic change. You will be dealing with personnel issues, providing professional support and supervision to your team, including but not limited to, independent file reviews (IFRs), time recording and good case management, as well as carrying your own caseload of housing litigation.

Contributing to the strategic direction of Shelter legal services nationally will be an important aspect of the role too, as will taking the lead on delivering strategic change aligned to Shelter’s strategy and ensuring Legal aid contract requirements and performance targets are met.

You will be able to identify test case opportunities to address systemic bad practice and so achieve change for a greater number of people and will work closely with the Head of Legal Services, the Hub Management Team and teams within Communications, Policy and Campaigns and Business Development. As a key member of the management team, you will also get to play your part in the management of our offices, including attending management team meetings and collaborating with other teams.

About you

1. You will be an experienced housing solicitor, court advocate, carrying your own caseload as well as managing and supervising others.

2.  You will have a minimum of 4 years post qualification legal practice experience

3. You will have supervisor status and have substantial knowledge of housing and homelessness law.

4. You are able to carry out research and policy analysis in the areas of housing, homeless and welfare law, produce reports and presentations.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 32 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About the team

Our legal Teams (Managing Solicitors, Solicitors, Legal Advisors and Trainees) are based throughout the England hubs, we are currently based in London, Plymouth, Dorset, Bristol, Norwich, Birmingham, Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Sheffield and Newcastle.

Our teams are enthusiastic, driven and champions for fighting the housing injustice.  Our teams whilst generating an income also address the housing crisis.

Shelter Sheffield provide housing advice and support to people across the city, with a focus on emergency homelessness, intensive support for children and families, people experiencing domestic abuse and people with multiple and complex needs. A holistic approach is taken to help people deal with interrelated issues that can impact their ability to keep a home and work for systemic changes to prevent homelessness, supporting over 5000 people every year.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

How to apply

Please submit your CV with a supporting statement with responses to the 'About You' points 1-4 outlined in the job description of no more than 1000 words total. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses:

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

CVs without an accompanying supporting statement will not be considered.

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Recruitment Agencies

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Rethink have an exciting opportunity to work for us delivering the new Connect to Work Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme within County Durham. We are looking for an Employment Specialist to support individuals with health conditions, mental health difficulties, a disability or complex barriers to employment to gain, retain, or return to employment, following the IPS principles. You will also engage with and support local employers to enable work to be sustainable for individuals and by bridging workforce needs with local people. The roles will involve travelling around your allocated area to meet individuals in need of support offering a person centred approach and engaging with local employers who have workforce vacancies. You will work closely with and within healthcare settings and as part of a wider partnership of organisations to deliver the programme across the region.

Connect to Work is part of the National Get Britain Working strategy which is a new government funded programme. Within County Durham the initial programme is based upon the IPS model which looks to support people who would like to gain employment by delivering tailored support to move into the right job quickly and support to maintain employment.

The available role is a part time post (0.5 FTE – 17.5 hours per week) with days and times to be worked open to discussion and agreement with the successful candidate. This post is for a fixed term until 31st March 2028, with the possibility of an additional 2 year extension once funding is confirmed. There may also be the option to increase working hours as the programme progresses and referrals increase. A Driving licence and car are essential to carry out this role.

To Apply please fill out the application questions and upload your up to date CV detailing your knowledge, experience and reason for applying.

Lead quality and innovation in adoption – and make a lasting impact.

Position: Adoption Quality and Development Lead

Location: Based in Reading with hybrid working arrangements

Contract: Permanent role. Full time (37 hours per week) or part-time (4 days per week may be considered).

Salary range: Starting Salary Range from £49934 to £58256

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team in a newly created position which is a reflection of our dedication to ensure the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement across our adoption services.

The Adoption Quality and Development Lead plays a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality adoption and adoption support services. The post holder will lead on quality assurance activities, policy development, complaints investigations, and specific projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and contributing to continuous improvement. They will be one of PACT’s agency decision makers. They will also manage projects such as the birth relatives project and support digital and training initiatives. The role requires collaboration across teams, liaison with external agencies, and occasional cover for Team Managers.

About you:

We are looking for a qualified and registered social worker with substantial post-qualification experience in adoption and children’s services, including quality assurance and inspection preparation. You will have excellent knowledge of adoption legislation and standards, strong analytical and organisational skills, and the ability to influence and advise at all levels.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about driving quality and innovation in adoption services. You will have access to learning and professional development opportunities and the chance to make a real difference to the lives of children and families.

We realise that this may be a role that is unique to PACT. Other relevant roles you may have experience of could include: Team Manager; Adoption Team Manager; Adoption Practice Manager; Practice Manager; Adoption Service Manager; Service Manager; Quality Assurance Manager; Social Work Team Lead; Social Work Team Manager etc

About PACT:

PACT is a long-standing, established charity and has been building and strengthening families since 1911. We have a long history of providing adoption services and specialist adoption support for life. As an independent adoption charity, PACT has been rated outstanding by Ofsted three times in a row in 2014, 2017 and 2023.

PACT has a stable and committed workforce, with a passion to support families and a desire to deliver the highest quality services. Last year, PACT found loving and permanent homes for 84 children.

For further information, contact email and details on how to apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: Friday 23rd January 2026 (midday)
Interviews are planned for: Monday 9th February 2026

We look forward to hearing from you. Early application is encouraged. We will review applications received throughout the advertising period and may close the vacancy or interview earlier than stated.

Please do not submit your CV; only completed application forms will be accepted. No agencies please.

PACT is a supportive and respectful place where people are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of women, children and families from many different backgrounds. We continuously look to progress the ways in which we create families and bring people together and encourage applications from people across all communities. We are committed to ensuring that our people and our services reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and applications from people from under-represented groups are particularly welcomed.

PACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s Safer Recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These include the provision of documentation of the right to work in the UK, Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check where applicable and references covering a minimum 5-year period. All opportunities are based in the UK

We are seeking a  compassionate, dedicated individual to join the Homelessness Team in our values-led charity.Please note that for safeguarding reasons, we have an occupational requirement for this post-holder to be male.

Our Charity:  St Petrock’s is a strongly values-led local charity, with our primary focus being to meet the urgent needs of people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. It is essential for everyone on our team to be fully committed to our Mission and Values, which guide all that we do.

The Role:  We are looking for a motivated, compassionate and dedicated individual to join our homelessness team, which provides essential survival support and advice to people who are rough sleeping and/or vulnerably housed. We welcome applications from those with lived experience of homelessness.

The successful applicant will be committed to the mission and values of St Petrock’s. They will have significant experience of working with disadvantaged people who may exhibit challenging behaviour and will also understand the importance of confidentiality and discretion. They will be adaptable and flexible, capable of working both on their own initiative and enjoy the variety and challenge of working as part of a team within a busy charity.

The role is based at the St Petrock’s Centre and includes our food outreach. This involves significant amounts of walking each day across multiple terrains, requiring a good level of mobility and fitness.

For a full Job Description and Person Specification, please see details in the attached Job Pack (which can be viewed when you start your application).

To apply, please include your CV,  and full cover letter as per instructions in the Job Pack.  We will also ask you to complete a Disclosure Form via email in line with our safeguarding requirements.

There is no fixed closing date. We are looking to appoint as soon as possible.

Important Information:  Please note only male candidates will be considered for this post. Many of our clients are highly vulnerable and have experienced trauma, meaning they often make disclosures of a very personal and sensitive nature.  Given that around 80% of those we support are male, it is therefore essential that the team includes at least one male Project Worker in order to enable this support to be delivered safely, to avoid re-traumatisation and to ensure good safeguarding practice.  Therefore, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, St Petrock’s will have an Occupational Requirement for this post to be filled by someone who is male.

St Petrock’s is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. We use “safer recruitment” practices throughout our recruitment processes, and all successful candidates will be subject to the highest level of DBS check that is legally permissible for their role. Any offer of employment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

The CYP Link Counsellor role makes a real difference by providing children and young people who have experienced Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) or other forms of sexual violence and abuse with timely, appropriate, trauma-informed, and compassionate specialist support as part of our wider CYP Services.

• Deliver specialist, boundaried, relational, and trauma-informed counselling for children and young people aged 5–17 who have been subjected to or are at risk of CSE.
• Actively engage children and young people to rebuild trust and encourage participation in Counselling and Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) services.
• Provide counselling in safe, secure environments where young people feel supported.
• Tailor counselling and therapy to individual needs and abilities, including conducting assessments and creating therapeutic plans.
• Maintain awareness of contextual safeguarding issues and respond promptly and professionally to any concerns.