Schools jobs

Do you have experience in generating and sustaining charitable giving from individuals and nurturing a Friends scheme in the Arts education sector? Are you passionate about choral singing and its power to change the lives of children and young people and can you successfully advocate on our behalf to potential major donors?

The primary focus for the new role is to generate sustainable charitable giving from individuals, maintaining and growing our Friends memberships and developing significant income from major donors. We will also welcome input on stewardship of trusts and foundations if this is also your area of expertise.

We are a leading choral singing organisation and run residential summer courses for children and young people. Our artistic director, Ralph Allwood, founded the organisation 45 years ago, since when over 10,000 young people have benefited from our life-changing courses. Nowadays, around one third of students receive generous bursary support to attend a course and we also work with a range of partner organisations to encourage even more young people from diverse backgrounds to take part in our choral singing courses. We want to secure the future of the organisation and increase the number of students we can support by significantly growing our individual  giving.

We are looking for an experienced fundraiser to work up to 2 days per week on a freelance basis to help us move up a gear or two in terms of our fundraising, specifically to develop private giving from our extensive alumni network and the many successful individuals who feel music education at a young age made them the person they are today.

We have an office in central London but the job can be done remotely with occasional meetings with the General Manager, either in person or virtually.

Key information

Position: Head of Development, Friends and Major Donors

Reports to: General Manager

Key relationships: Artistic Director, Operations Manager, Assistant Director Rodolfus Choir, Communications Manager & Artistic Adviser, Chairman and Trustees

Location: Working from home with occasional visits to the office at King’s Place, London and meetings with donors c. weekly

Main goal: To launch our 45th anniversary year development appeal and manage fund raising through individual giving, Friends memberships and legacy donations and pledges, growing our charitable income in line with our strategy. 

About this role:

The main duties and responsibilities for the Heads of Development role are as follows:

INDIVIDUAL GIVING

· Maintain and build relationships with our donors, and identify new individuals who would like to see the Rodolfus Choral Foundation thrive

· Use our extensive alumni list to source and maintain donors

· Use contacts from the artistic director and trustees to generate new donors

·  Ensure that our top and potential donors are well looked after and researched, passing on key information to the Artistic Director and, where appropriate, arranging meetings between him and our donors

· Organise and co-host special donor events in unique venues

· Plan and help organise membership events for donors

· Help establish a legacy giving scheme for Rodolfus

· Have overall responsibility for reaching individual giving targets

· Ensure that data is accurately kept in our database in line with GDPR, and is harnessed to support our fundraising efforts

STRATEGIC PLANNING & REPORTING

· Develop a five-year Fundraising Strategy

· Set ambitious but achievable targets for each year, within the overall Rodolfus budget

· Contribute new ideas and find new opportunities for fundraising

· Produce quarterly fundraising updates for the Trustees

· Produce a fundraising report for the annual accounts, identifying strengths, weaknesses and areas for development in the Fundraising Strategy

TRUSTS AND GRANT-MAKING BODIES

· Liaise with the General Manager to ensure a coordinated fundraising plan and targets, in keeping with the artistic vision for Rodolfus

· Proof and submit applications and be the point of contact for Trusts and Foundations (this work is currently supported by the General Manager and a fundraising consultant)

GENERAL

· Attend Team and Board meetings as required

· Be a passionate advocate at all times for Rodolfus

· Adhere to all legal requirements relating to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as well as all other company policies and procedures

· Create a positive work environment, underpinned by the organisation’s values

· The list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time by the Trustees.

· The appointee may be required to perform duties outside of this as operationally required and at the discretion of the Board.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone who:

· Is able to foster excellent relationships with major donors

· is positive, proactive, hard-working, innovative and ambitious

· is numerate, analytical, organised and has attention to detail

· is friendly, approachable and collaborative

· happy working in a small but dedicated team

· happy to travel regularly when required for donor and team meetings

Essential Criteria:

· excellent interpersonal skills

· experience of developing positive relationships with donors

· proven success in securing major donations

· experience of prospective donor identification and initial approach

· outstanding communication skills, both spoken and written

· experience in budget management

· good attention to detail

· excellent personal organisation and time management

· experience of working efficiently and effectively on their own as well as in a team

· understands the arts sector

Closing date: Midday on 23rd June 2025

Interviews: First round interviews will be held online on w/c 30th June 2025

Second round interviews will be held w/c 7th July 2025

To work closely with the Bishop and the Archdeacon in encouraging and enhancing the mission of the Church for the furthering of Christ’s gospel across the Edmonton Area and bringing close the Kingdom of God, the diocesan Mission Framework,  the Edmonton Area Plan and to work closely with the Area Team and other Deans of Mission.

They will be expected to work with the Archdeacon in supporting parishes in Vacancy and work with the bishop in the recruitment process. 

Job responsibilities 

STRATEGY  

• To work closely alongside the Bishop and Archdeacon in developing, delivering and reviewing a measurable and impactful Edmonton Area Plan within the 2030 Vision for London. 
• To actively encourage and enable the projects and plans for mission across the Area working closely with the Bishop, Archdeacon and the Area Deans for each of the four Deaneries and other Area and Diocesan staff. 
• To develop a strategy in the Area in line with the overarching diocesan Mission Framework, which relates to the other four Area strategies and which leads directly towards plans for growth
• Some of these mission plans will relate to work on funding applications and others which relate to the increased provision and maintenance of services by personal interventions and strategic support.  
• Lead on the stakeholder engagement and change management planning for the larger sized mission programmes within the Area 
• To work with the Diocese of London 2030 Vision program office to gather appropriate metrics in order to provide a framework for good strategic decision making.
• To support parishes as they develop their mission and vision, adding value such as in facilitating vision and planning events, linking with partners and external bodies. 
• To build capacity for mission across the Episcopal Area with different church traditions and practices  

TEAM  

• To enjoy playing a full part in the Area Staff Team, sharing in decision making and development of the program of culture change. 
• To work strategically with particular parishes and clergy from time to time as they identify opportunities for making a difference within their local communities.
• To join the Diocese team of Deans of Mission at their monthly meetings and in ongoing collaboration and cross-border working. 

MAINTENANCE OF SERVICES

• To work with the Area Deans in the delivery of particular mission plans and initiatives in their Deaneries that relate to and will result in services of worship taking place in these churches.
• To encourage churches in their community engagement and social action initiatives, including partnership working across the Area and on specific local projects, sharing best practice so that new and existing services of worship will develop and be maintained to address their needs. 
• To provide support for clergy in the delivery of project work in relation to buildings so they will draw new people into worship services. This will include working through the purposes for which the buildings were established and their interpretation of that in the maintenance of services today. 

RESOURCING  

• To work alongside churches in vacancy to remain focused on mission and to plan for appropriate future leadership, supporting the Bishop and Archdeacon in running vacancy and appointments processes. 
• To help parishes access the support available from the Diocese of London’s Ambition and Priority teams, noting in particular support for new incumbents
• Ambition teams: Confident Disciples, Compassionate Communities, Creative Growth (CCX) – and how they link with maintaining church services. 
• Priority teams: Growing Younger, Safer Churches, Racial Justice 
• To provide advice and support to enable successful church revitalisation including work with current and potential Resource Churches in discerning how their strengths and gifts can be best used in support of planting and other parish support and that new services will be established to serve those currently less well reached. 
• To develop prayer initiatives and resources to support mission in the Area. 
• To ensure the necessary provision of training for missional engagement and useful sources for theological reflection on mission.  

GENERAL  

• Other tasks as assigned by the Bishop as part of his team.
• In addition to an involvement in a parish the post holder is invited to active involvement in the life of the Archdeaconry and Area Deans in a cycle of church activity, training and engagement with clergy and lay leaders in the Area.  

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on the main responsibilities. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Parish experience, including church growth/ revitalisation at first hand
• Experience of developing and leading teams
• A demonstrable ability in strategic thinking and project planning
•  Experience of constructing and forming mission action plans  
• Vision and ability to enhance racial justice within churches and in their mission
• A high degree of people skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire
• High level of discretion and ability to keep confidentiality
• Able to relate to churches of different traditions across the Area
• There is an occupational requirement for the successful candidate to be a practicing member of the Church of England
• A good eye for detail and process
• Consistent ability in keeping to deadlines
• Warm and positive communication skills, oral and written
• An imagination and flair for problem-solving and innovation as we seek to ‘proclaim the faith afresh in [this] generation’.
• The person will require an enhanced DBS check

Desirable 

• Experience of coaching and mentoring
• Wisdom in handling issues of pastoral complexity

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on Person Specification. 

About the London Diocesan Fund 

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is the employment body that serves and supports the Diocese of London and Church of England. The Diocese of London comprises of c400 parishes north of the River Thames and within the M25 motorway. 

The Church of England in London is growing, vibrant and at the heart of communities throughout the capital. At the London Diocesan Fund, we seek to do everything we can to support this mission and growth, using our resources to help our parishes and chaplains to serve over 4 million people. 

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion 

The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. 

We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation. 

Safeguarding 

The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

Benefits of working with us 

The LDF offers a supportive working environment, opportunity for career development and the following financial benefits: 

• Competitive remuneration package
• 27 annual leave days to rise to 30 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
• 15% employer pension contribution and salary sacrifice available
• Death in service benefit x3 of basic gross salary
• Enhanced maternity leave of six months full pay, after 12 months of employment
• Season ticket loans for public transport
• Access to Benenden Health Insurance
• EAP counselling through Health Assured                            
• Up to £100 for eye test and contribution to spectacles                      
• Two additional paid days for community volunteering

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 14th July. 

Assistant Shop Manager - Nork

You will support the promotion of sustainable shopping and the shop’s social media to increase audience reach, attract customers, donors and volunteer supporters to deliver the Retail Strategy.

Role Requirements

• To maximise shop sales by achieving agreed targets both through donated stock and bought in/new goods. This involves proactive stock generation, optimum pricing, processing stock to agreed amounts and stock planning.
• Achieve Gift Aid sales conversion target through maximising new donor sign up and encouraging repeat donations.
• Achieve the shops Raffle sales targets through involving the shops team.
• To maintain high levels of shop presentation by merchandising and housekeeping to agreed standards as set out in the Shops Operations manual.
• Manage the stock levels of bought in/new goods, to include ordering of more stock as and when necessary and recording key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Assist in holding and attending Fundraising events to promote the awareness of The Children’s Trust.
• To source links with local communities to promote Retail in the community via media and other sources.
• Role involves a degree of manual handling in sorting and lifting of stock.

Interview Date: to be confirmed

Terms and Conditions

Strictly no agencies, please.

About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits on our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.  The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.

Ambitious About Autism is a national charity for autistic children and young people. We stand with autistic children and young people, champion their rights​ and create opportunities. We run specialist education services, an award-winning employment programme and children and young people are at the heart of our charity's decision-making, policy work and campaigning. 

In this role, you will be working on a 1:1 basis with our Autistic learners. You will provide support to learners so that they can access the curriculum whilst also promoting their independence and self-esteem through community led activities.

Position: Specialist Teaching Assistant

School: Ambitious College (CONEL Campus), N15 4FY

Contract Type: Full time, Permanent (Hours: 9am - 4.30pm)

Salary: £25,088 to £26,502 (based on experience)

About the School:

Ambitious College is an independent specialist day college dedicated to supporting autistic young people aged 16–25. Our educational approach focuses on the individual at all times. We offer a highly personalised curriculum and positively support our learners to acquire new skills and take part in everyday life. We are located within two mainstream further education college campuses: the College of Haringey, Enfield, and North East London (CONEL), and West Thames College, West London. Through a range of partnerships with local businesses, community groups, and our mainstream college partners, we also offer opportunities to learn in the community. This combined approach – personalised education, positive support, and real work experience – delivers results. It allows our young people to achieve their goals, fulfil their potential, and go on to lead active lives in their community. Ambitious College's values define how we work and ensure that children and young people with autism are at the heart of all that we do.

As part of the Ambitious About Autism team, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Term time only role (yet paid across 52 weeks)
• A competitive salary of up to £26,502 and an increase every September
• Free healthy breakfast available everyday
• State of the art Autism specific training including person centred approaches, positive behaviour support, medical training and understanding sensory needs
• Working with experts in the Autism industry with 1:1 meetings and training provided
• Eye test vouchers, season ticket loans and a cycle to work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme, to help you balance your work, family, and personal life
• Continuous professional development including access to coaching and mentoring as well as e-learning and online training courses

Start date: September 2025

Ambitious about Autism is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. 

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Legacy Group Consulting LTD are recruiting on behalf of Solar Aid for a Supporter Care Officer;

�� Location: North East London

�� Contract: Full Time, Permanent – 37.5 hours

�� Salary: £27,900pa to £29,700pa – depending on experience

�� Closing Date: Close of Business Thursday 26th June

Why this role matters

We are working with an amazing, international charity – Solar Aid where their mission is to light up every home, school and clinic in Sub – Saharan Africa by 2030, using safe, clean, solar power to recruit someone fantastic for this role.

This role isn’t just about tasks and responsibilities, it’s about joining a team where your voice is valued, your growth is supported, and your work genuinely makes a difference.

What you’ll be doing

As the Supporter Care Officer, you'll be part of wider fundraising team, reporting to brilliant Supporter Care Manager – a small but might team. You’ll be at the heart of helping deliver outstanding supporter care experience, assisting the smooth running of fundraising operations and smooth handling of non-supporter communications.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Making sure every supporter feels heard, valued, and appreciated
• Managing donation processes and supporter communications with care and efficiency
• Supporting the team with admin tasks that keep everything running smoothly
• Working closely with colleagues across teams to create a brilliant supporter experience
• Develop and refresh supporter journeys across engagement channels, working with Engagement and Digital teams
• Review and refresh “thank you” materials, communications and processes.
• Respond to supporter enquiries received by phone and email, acting as a first point of contact for supporters.
• Contribute to the integrity of the database by amending supporter details as necessary and recognising areas for improvement to support the Supporter Experience Manager with maintenance of the CRM.

What you’ll bring

We’re not looking for someone who ticks every box - we’re looking for someone who’s curious, committed, and ready to learn. If you’ve got the following, we’d love to hear from you:

• Experience in customer service, supporter care, or a similar rolerking knowledge of online fundraising
• Strong communication skills and a real empathy for people
• Good working knowledge of online fundraising
• Comfortable using databases, emails, and admin systems – they use Salesforce – if you have experience of this, would be advantageous
• A positive attitude and a willingness to pitch in

What’s in it for you

The chance to be part of an organisation that’s making tangible impact

• Supportive, inclusive team culture
• A working environment where new ideas and testing new things is strongly encouraged.
• Hybrid/flexible working options
• Opportunities for training, learning and growth
• 7% employer pension contribution
• 25 days’ annual leave

How to apply

If this sounds like your kind of role, we’d love to hear from you.

You can apply by sending your CV and a short cover note to Seema Choudhury at Legacy Group Consultancy LTD 

If you are shortlisted for interview stage (it will be a 2 stage interview process – one informal chat during week commencing 30th June and one formal interview at the London office, likely to be week commencing 7th July

A note on equity

We actively encourage applications from people with backgrounds that are underrepresented in the charity sector. If you need any adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to ask - we’re here to make this accessible to everyone.

Let's build your legacy together

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Executive Assistant to join the Chief Executives office. Your role is to provide high quality support to the Directors and by extension, the Senior Leadership Team

This role is not open to sponsorship.

Role Requirements

• Provide high level administrative support to the Directors.
• Exercise judgement in prioritisation, dealing with matters within own remit and / or referring them to the director as and when necessary, ensuring tact, discretion and courtesy at all times.
• Review incoming mail, prioritising, redirecting or responding to issues.
• Monitor the email inbox of the Director(s), responding where relevant and highlighting any urgent messages to Director.
• Draft, edit and format documents
• Arrange travel bookings / itineraries
• Communicate instructions and other messages to managers and staff clearly and promptly on behalf of the Director(s)
• Keep Emergency Procedures File up to date.
• Monitor team PDR dates, and keep Director(s) updated in this regard; schedule PDRs for Director’s direct reports.
• Effectively support meetings in terms of venue, accommodation, equipment, and refreshments.
• Attend team and other relevant meetings taking and producing minutes for distribution (as required);
• Liaise with Reception in relation to external visitors and ensure the smooth running of internal and external meetings and visits;
• Process expenses on behalf of the Director(s).
• Manage the Director’s corporate credit card and reconcile against monthly statements
• Assist the Director(s) with additional administrative/organisational tasks assigned at the discretion of the Director.
• Assist in the planning, execution and tracking of key projects. Coordinate project timelines, deliverables and resources to ensure successful completion within deadlines.

Interview Date: 1st Stage 23rd June, 2nd Stage 30th June

Terms and Conditions

Strictly no agencies, please.

As we often receive high levels of applicants for our roles, we regret that we will only be able to contact those applicants who are shortlisted for interviews. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume you have not been shortlisted for an interview on this occasion.

About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.  The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.

The purpose of the Employability Programme Facilitator role is to deliver FSSW’s FareChance programme, including employability learning and practical logistics sessions alongside support and collaboration with the Employability lead. The FareChance programme works with young people aged between 18 – 25 who experience additional barriers to accessing education, training or employment.  The young people are supported to learn new skills, build confidence and realise their full potential. Farechance provides a unique combination of two parts: the first is working alongside other volunteers and staff learning key warehouse and logistics skills, getting firsthand practical experience; the second is tailored employability sessions in small groups with 1-1 specialist support.

The facilitator will lead on running the employability and logistics sessions, with co-facilitation from volunteers or the employability lead where needed. This role will provide 1-1 support for young people where required and provide signposting and referrals to other specialist services. The successful candidate will be passionate about supporting people to thrive and be sensitive to the inequality and power imbalance faced by young people today. They will have experience of supporting young people to achieve their goals and can bring these skills to deliver FareChance. This role will coach as well as co-ordinate the programme whilst supporting the growth of an innovative, supportive, and caring employability pathway for people to overcome barriers and move closer to the future they deserve.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Programme Delivery

· Lead the delivery of the FareChance Programme on site with the Vale Lane warehouse team, working flexibly to ensure success

• • Running sessions with four to ten young people three times a week
  • Lead facilitating Employability Sessions e.g. CV, Job Search, Interview Practice
  • Working with the Operations Teams in facilitating Logistics/Warehouse sessions

· Provide tailored motivational coaching/mentoring to:

• • Onboard and engage participants throughout
  • Provide advice and guidance and support young people with suitable interventions and accessing resources into training/volunteering/work placements
  • Provide 1-1 support sessions for those with higher needs

· Work with the Employability Lead to build an individualised plan and set of goals for each young person

· Support young people to engage with internships within FSSW

· Identify specific needs and risks and creating assessments for young people if required

· Ensure young people access other specialist support where required

· Work alongside the Employability Lead and the safeguarding team around any incidents or safeguarding concerns

· Work with the young people around coproduction opportunities that impact on the delivery, development and evaluation of the programme

· Support the Employability Lead to recruit for the programme

· Support the Employability Lead to design next step plans for the young people

External partnerships and relationship building

· Work alongside the employability lead to engage referrers

· On occasion attend events or appointments to support recruitment/represent FSSW

· Attend a range of career away days as part of the FareChance programme

· On occasion work alongside the Employability Lead to broaden ‘Next Step’ relationships

Reporting and Administration

· Create records and maintain processes in line with FSSW policies and procedures, both using online data bases and hard copy record systems

· Maintain quality records of all interventions with project participants and that such data is stored within the requirements of the Data Protection Act

General

· Respond to any enquiries/communications via telephone, email, in person or via inhouse IT/systems

· Be an excellent ambassador for FSSW

· Undertake administrative duties as required to support the effective functioning of FSSW

· Work within FSSW’s policies and procedures and adhere to legal frameworks.

Person Specification

It is not expected that a successful candidate will necessarily have all the following criteria. FareShare South West is committed to helping individuals develop professionally and personally, and your application is encouraged.  

Essential Criteria

· Knowledge and experience of delivering 1:1 motivational mentoring, coaching or support work

· Knowledge of barriers to Education, Training and Employment (ETE)

· Experience of facilitating training, education and/or youth programmes

· Experience of working with a diverse range of young people

· Experience of working successfully within groups/teams

· Knowledge and experience of support needs, risks and safeguarding

· Excellent interpersonal and listening skills

· Commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion

· Ability to work flexibly, respond positively to project changes and meet challenging targets

· Good verbal and written communication skills

· Good IT skills

· Strong organisational skills including planning, prioritising and time management

Desirable

· Successful experience of supporting people back into work or training

· Understanding and/or experience of a logistics or warehouse environment

· Experience of working in an educational setting

· Mentoring or coaching qualification

· Experience of monitoring, evaluation and report writing

· Influencing, motivational and negotiating skills

· Lived experience of barriers to ETE

Hub Manager, Devon & Cornwall

Reporting to: Head of Operations

Salary: £28,500 - £30,000, depending on experience

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday, rota’d evening shifts and occasional weekends)

Terms: Permanent, 25 days holiday pa (pro rata, exc. Bank Holidays), 5% pension contribution

Location: Based at our Sisna Park Hub, Plymouth PL6, + ad hoc support to our Bristol Hubs (Little Ann Street BS2/Vale Lane Hub, BS3)

Manage: Directly: Lead Supervisor, Supervisors, Community Food Produce Coordinator, (fixed term role), Volunteer Team (incl. Corporate Volunteers, Drivers, Drivers Mate), agency staff

About FareShare South West

FareShare South West (FSSW) joins the dots between food waste and hunger, empowering communities to turn an environmental problem into lasting social good. We rescue tonnes of quality surplus food from the industry and share it with charities and schools to bring health, dignity, and routes out of poverty for people across the South West. Our supportive volunteering and employability programmes offer local people the opportunity to thrive. By joining us, you will be part of an inclusive, friendly team in a small but fast-growing charity that helps fight the injustice of who gets to afford a healthy diet.

FareShare South West is an independent local charity, working in partnership with FareShare UK. By being part of the national FareShare network, we can help rescue more food. By being small and independent, we can remain close to our local partners and people and continuously adapt to meet the needs of local communities. The member charities we share food with transform lives, using food to connect people with other support and routes out of poverty, including children and families, people on low incomes, homeless people, refugees, domestic abuse survivors, people in recovery, older people, and many others.

Purpose of the Role

The Hub Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of a FSSW hub, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations that maximise the volume of surplus food received, stored, and distributed to our Community Food Members (CFMs). This includes managing a mixed team of staff, FareChance employability participants and volunteers in their operational tasks, maintaining high operational and health & safety standards, and collaborating with colleagues across food & logistics, compliance, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Management

• Oversee and manage the safe and efficient daily operation of the hub, ensuring essential tasks are completed to a high standard.
• Ensure the hub is appropriately set up to meet Key Performance Indicators and goods in and deliveries out, working closely with the Head of Operations.
• Use FareShare UK (FSUK)’s digital stock system to manage product movements and maintain stock accuracy. Lead weekly stock takes and investigate discrepancies in collaboration with the compliance and food teams.
• Oversee the smooth intake and dispatch of food, liaising with food donors, FSUK, transport providers, and partners. Ensure food deliveries meet acceptance criteria and report any quality issues promptly.
• Ensure the Hub Operations team maintain positive relationships with CFMs, ensuring high standards of service and communication.
• Play an active role in identifying solutions to operational challenges, in collaboration with the food, membership and volunteer teams.
• Coordinate and manage external contractors for maintenance and repairs.
• Provide procurement support to secure value for money on consumables and equipment.
• With support from the wider FSSW team, meet food waste KPIs to ensure that we effectively maximise food redistribution to CFMs.
• Ensure adequate stock of operational supplies and equipment to support daily operations.
• Responsible for the Hub Operations controllable costs budget. Oversee the management of on-site petty cash in line with financial controls.
• Work with the Head of Operations to improve systems and integrate new processes to support growth and efficiency.
• Carry out analysis of the fleet and its equipment including weekly vehicle checks and basic maintenance duties (e.g. tyre pressures, topping up vehicle fluids). Work with the Fleet Coordinator to ensure the on-site vehicle fleet is well maintained, roadworthy and compliant.
• Contribute to delivery of the Operations Strategy, including key developments for FSSW.
• Carry out other duties as required to support the successful running of the hub.

2. Team Management

• Provide strong day-to-day leadership to a diverse team of staff and volunteers. Delegate tasks, give regular feedback, and maintain an open, inclusive working environment.
• Manage, supervise, and develop Line Reports, including performance management, appraisals, and training.
• Support effective recruitment and onboarding processes, ensuring appropriate support and shift cover. Identify shortfalls in rota cover and respond in effective and timely manner.
• Work with temporary staffing agencies to arrange short term hire drivers, when necessary.
• Collaborate with the Head of Operations and Volunteer Team to ensure effective volunteer induction and ongoing training. Support the Volunteer Manager in the delivery of corporate volunteer days.
• Register and onboard new drivers by delivering volunteer and staff driving assessments and agency driver inductions.
• Foster a positive and productive team culture in line with FareShare South West values.

3. FareChance Employability Programme

• Support the delivery of the FareChance programme by overseeing and supervising participants during operational tasks, ensuring they are actively engaged and contributing to the hub operations team.
• Ensure FareChance participants are effectively trained, supported, and equipped to carry out their allocated duties, with opportunities to build confidence and develop relevant skills, with support from the volunteer and employability teams.
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment that supports the health, safety and wellbeing of FareChance participants and enables them to thrive.
• Provide hands-on mentorship and act as a positive role model during day-to-day operations, supporting participants to build experience and confidence.
• Undertake relevant training to strengthen your ability to support FareChance participants and the wider volunteer team, including safeguarding, inclusive practice, mental health awareness and coaching approaches.
• Collaborate with the volunteer and employability team to ensure effective communication around support needs and progress.

4. Health & Safety (H&S) and Compliance

• Take lead responsibility for the health, safety and security of the hub, and the safety and wellbeing of all staff, volunteer and visitors
• Champion a culture of safety and compliance, setting a strong example and ensuring robust H&S protocols are always followed.
• Effectively manage and resolve incidents in line with emergency procedures, including product recalls and escalation protocols.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date records of all H&S activity, including staff and volunteer training, audits, corrective actions and incident reports.
• Support the development, communication and enforcement of H&S and compliance-related policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Ensure that all legal and FareShare South West requirements related to food safety and H&S are understood and adhered to on site.
• Operate in accordance with the FareShare HACCP Food Safety Manual and local environmental health regulations.
• Ensure the site is always audit-ready and support internal and external audits as required.
• Ensure facilities and equipment are used safely, regularly maintained, and reported if defective.

5. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Lead on-site delivery of any compliance-related changes introduced by FSUK, ensuring they are followed through to completion and embedded in practice.
• Manage and enhance compliance of the hub premises in line with FareShare’s minimum operating standards and expectations for operational efficiency.
• Work with others to identify and implement improvements to systems, processes and workflows.
• Ensure operational audits and assessments are carried out, actions are followed up, and improvement plans delivered.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other teams to support service development and innovation.

Person Specification

It is not expected that a successful candidate will necessarily have all the following criteria. FareShare South West is committed to helping individuals develop professionally and personally, and your application is encouraged.

Essential

• Proven experience in warehouse or logistics operations, with responsibility for delivery of KPIs.
• Strong working knowledge of health & safety legislation and risk management within a warehouse setting and able to champion a safety-first culture while enabling productivity.
• Experience of and confidence in working with clear procedures and compliance requirements such as food safety, hygiene, and auditing processes.
• Can demonstrate supportive, motivational, proactive and structured team leadership, including recruitment, supervision, and performance management.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to manage multiple priorities and respond in a calm, solutions-focused way under pressure.
• Competency in stock control systems and inventory management (e.g. digital stock systems such as GLADYS or similar).
• Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal, with experience of cross-team and stakeholder communication.
• Able to demonstrate good judgement and decision-making, including escalating issues appropriately.
• Physically able to carry out the role, including manual handling and operating in warehouse conditions.
• Comfortable using basic IT tools (e.g. Microsoft Teams, email, online documents).
• Full UK driving licence.
• Forklift truck operator’s qualification (or willing to train as an essential part of the role).

Desirable

• Formal training or certification in health & safety, manual handling, or food hygiene.
• Experience of working in a charitable, volunteer-led, or community-based organisation.
• Experience of route planning and/or vehicle logistics coordination.
• Experience of working within a regulated or audited environment
• Experience contributing to or delivering change initiatives.

Attributes & Values

• Committed to FareShare South West’s work to fight hunger and tackle food waste.
• Strong team player who supports collaboration and mutual accountability.
• Organised and methodical, with strong attention to detail.
• Reliable, consistent, and takes pride in maintaining high standards.
• Acts with integrity and openness; willing to learn from feedback and take responsibility.
• Enjoys being hands-on and actively involved in operational delivery.

Behaviours

• Leads by example and motivates others through positive, proactive behaviour.
• Calm and solutions-focused in challenging situations.
• Values and supports diversity and inclusion across the team.
• Communicates with respect and clarity, adapting style to suit audience.
• Champions a safety-first culture while enabling productivity.
• Embraces change and drives continuous improvement.
• Confident working within clear procedures and standards.

Additional Information

• Role may involve some manual handling; training will be provided.
• Enhanced DBS check required.

Young Person’s Practitioner

Location: Derby

Salary: £25,842 – £27,882 per annum

Hours: Permanent, 37 hours per week

Aquarius Action Projects is a long-established charity (since 1982) based in Birmingham with a national reach of contracts and Partnerships. Aquarius is a subsidiary of Waythrough – a large charity that specialises in mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas.

Aquarius is a UK-based charity that helps individuals overcome the harms caused by alcohol, drugs, and gambling. They offer a range of services, including prevention, early intervention, and recovery support, tailored to meet the needs of adults, young people, and families. Aquarius is committed to empowering people to make informed choices and build healthier lives.

Do you have a passion for working with young people?

Do you have an understanding of alcohol and drugs and health related issues, the Recovery Agenda and experience of working with adults and/or young people individually in an addictions or social care setting? All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Welcome to Aquarius as a Young Persons’ Practitioner.

Right now, one of our partners, Aquarius Action Projects, is looking for a Practitioner to join their Family Support service in Derby. Living with someone who has a drug or alcohol problem can be worrying and stressful and the service runs a young person’s programme called Choices for young people aged 5-18 years who are affected by a family members alcohol or drug use. The service provides young people with a safe place for them to talk about their concerns and help them to develop coping strategies to manage difficult situations.

The Role

As a Practitioner, you will deliver 1:1 and group interventions to young people in both community and school settings around a variety of topics. These will include confidence and self-esteem, hobbies, school (attending and enjoying), age appropriate drug & alcohol knowledge, how parental substance misuse can make young people feel, planning for their futures and positive peer and adult support.

Skills and Qualifications

An energetic and confident self-starter, you have a qualification in health/social care, youth and community work (e.g. NVQ Level 3 or above, DipSW, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling, Addiction Studies). Alternatively, we’ll consider candidates with experience of working in the substance misuse field with a commitment to complete NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care. As well as good knowledge of alcohol/drug and health related issues, you're used to liaising with voluntary and statutory agencies and health professionals and comfortable engaging with clients in a variety of service delivery settings. What’s more, you have a flexible approach, a commitment to the principles of confidentiality and excellent record keeping and Microsoft Office.

Benefits

In return, you can expect some great benefits, including 32 days' holiday, contributory pension scheme and employee assistance programme, plus exceptional professional development and training opportunities.

Learning and development is important to us, and we are pleased to be able to offer a wide range of apprenticeships. We hire apprentices into specific roles as well as offering apprenticeships to the workforce. Anyone can apply to undertake an apprenticeship relevant to the role as long as they are in a permanent post and have successfully passed probation.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable charity, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or who are from a Black, Asian and those in Minority Ethnic background.

This is a rolling recruitment process; shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as and when they apply.

When applying, please upload a CV and supporting statement which should clearly outline your skills and experience.

SCIE vision 

We are committed to building a society which enables people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives. 

At SCIE, we are driven by our values: 

·       Progressive – always learning and developing. 

·       Inclusive – working together for equality, diversity, and fairness. 

·       Credible – evidence-based, robust, and reliable. 

·       Transparent – open and honest. 

The role  

A great opportunity for you to join our small friendly team and make a real difference to people’s lives by: 

• supporting the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to enable them to deliver SCIE’s strategic objective to drive improvements in social care 

• maintaining the corporate activity planner and schedule all governance meetings in alignment with the financial year  

• resolving diary clashes and managing meeting logistics, including venue bookings and virtual access  

• providing ad hoc support to the Governance Manager and CEO on governance matters.  

What we are looking for:  

Essential:  

• experience in governance, committee servicing, or executive support  

• excellent organisational and time management skills  

• strong written communication and minute-taking ability  

• eye for detail   

• ability to handle confidential information with discretion  

Desirable:  

• familiarity with charity governance or public sector governance frameworks  

• experience using Board Intelligence or similar governance platforms  

What we offer in return 

We offer excellent staff benefits including a competitive salary and homeworking allowance. We provide an employer pension contribution above the statutory minimum, an award-winning employee assistance programme, and an attractive holiday package which rises with length of service. 

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.  

Job Description: Food Sourcing and Gleaning Officer 

Reporting to: Head of Food and Logistics

Department: Operations 

Salary: £25,000-£27,000 per annum 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (8.30am – 5pm) 

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 08:30-17:00 

Contract: Fixed Term until 31st March 2026 

Benefits: 32 Days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays per annum. 5% employer pension contribution. There will be a requirement to work some bank holidays.

Location: Bristol or Plymouth, with requirement to travel across the region 

About FareShare South West 

FareShare South West joins the dots between food waste and hunger, empowering communities to turn an environmental problem into lasting social good. We rescue tonnes of quality surplus food from the industry and share it with charities and schools to bring health, dignity, and routes out of poverty for people across the south west. Our supportive volunteering and employability programmes offer local people the opportunity to thrive. 

By joining us, you’ll be part of an inclusive, friendly team in a small but fast-growing charity that helps fight the injustice of who gets to afford a healthy diet. FareShare South West is an independent local charity, working in partnership with FareShare UK. By being part of the national FareShare network, we can help rescue more food. By being small and independent, we can remain close to our local partners and people and continuously adapt to meet the needs of local communities. The member charities we share food with transform lives, using food to connect people with other support and routes out of poverty, including children and families, people on low incomes, homeless people, refugees, domestic abuse survivors, people in recovery, older people, and many others. 

Purpose of the Role 

The Food Sourcing and Gleaning Officer plays a key role in FareShare South West’s mission to reduce food waste and fight hunger across the South West. You will be responsible for developing FareShare South West’s network of local suppliers, increasing the number of donations of good to eat surplus food to the organisation. The role also includes a focus on gleaning, this is the mobilisation of volunteers to pick surplus farm crops to be sent out to our network of charities. This forms part of a gleaning pilot project that is happening in 2025-26.

As an ambassador for FareShare South West, you will provide excellent customer service to food suppliers and work closely with our operations and logistics team to ensure food is transported safely, efficiently, and with care. 

Key Responsibilities 

Local Food Sourcing 

• Support delivery of the Local Food Sourcing Strategy to build a sustainable and expanding supply of local food. Complementing national food partners and matching this with the needs of a diverse Community Food Member base. Delivering a consistent supply of food throughout the year whilst adapting to seasonal fluctuations, and specific projects. 

• Research potential food sources by geography, type, and sector (retail, wholesale, producer, grower). 

• Conduct outreach to establish and broker supplier relationships, including on-site visits and securing food supplies in line with growth plans. 

• Participate in working groups with other FareShare regional centres to share local food sourcing opportunities and share best practice on gleaning projects. 

• Implement a gleaning project involving volunteers to harvest surplus produce from farms across the South West. Working closely with the corporate volunteer coordinator to organise and support gleaning activities. 

• Track and report the success of these gleaning activities in line with the projects KPIs.

• Expand the network of surplus food suppliers in the South West, with emphasis on Cornish companies. 

• Work with the Communications team to develop supplier engagement content such as impact stories, case studies, and visual materials. Also support the planning and execution of an event to engage more food suppliers.

Logistics 

• Coordinate logistics to cost-effectively receive surplus food. Supporting the Head of Food and Logistics in managing dedicated vehicles for food collection and liaising with warehouse staff to optimize use of the van fleet for additional collections. 

• Oversee safe and compliant movement of stock across sites to maintain adequate inventory levels for order fulfilment.

• Serve as a point of contact with FareShare UK and other regional centres on food sourcing and logistics matters. 

Food Management 

• Managing ad-hoc food offers from FareShare UK, balancing operational and storage capacity across sites. 

• Collaborate with warehouses and membership teams to understand member needs and allocate unusual food and non-food offers efficiently. 

• Act as liaison between operations teams and external suppliers, providing feedback and escalating issues as needed. 

General 

• Represent FSSW in local partnerships and collaborations focused on reducing food waste and surplus. 

• Maintain accurate and accessible records of food sourcing activities and provide timely performance updates to Head of Food and Logistics for monthly Food & Logistics reporting. 

• Contribute to annual budgets and strategic planning as required. 

• Ensure compliance with FareShare national policies, procedures, and relevant legal frameworks. 

• Undertake other administrative duties as necessary. 

• Support the food team function in the absence of the Head of Food and Logistics.

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to build and maintain trusted relationships and foster collaboration. 

• Experience managing diverse stakeholder relationships, preferably in the food or operations industry.

• Experience in supply chain, or logistics coordination, ideally in the charity or food sector. Showing a high level of attention to detail. 

• Understanding of food safety, health and safety, and compliance related to food handling and transport. 

Reference Number: V543

Job Title: Development Worker

Location: Alloa, Clackmannanshire (locally home based)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract until 31 March 2026

Hours: 17.5 hours per week

Salary: £25,625 FTE

DBS/PVG: Membership of PVG scheme is a requirement

Job Family: Job Family 3

Start Date: TBC

Interview Dates: Week Beginning 7 July 2025

Closing Date: 2nd July 2025 10am

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications

Volunteering Matters

 At Volunteering Matters, we believe in the power of volunteering to bring people together and build stronger, more connected communities across the UK.

Whether it's tackling loneliness, boosting wellbeing, building confidence, or empowering young people to lead change—we’re here to help everyone thrive.

We’re a people-led, impact-driven national charity, rooted in local communities across five UK regions. Our Employee Volunteering Team also brings over 25 years’ experience in helping businesses make a real difference.

It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong.

Job Purpose

 Our Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) is a volunteer-led project that encourages, facilitates and supports older people aged 50+ to keep active by volunteering in their community.  RSVP believes that by volunteering and using their life experience and skills, older people are less likely to be socially isolated and suffer from poor mental and physical health and wellbeing. Current RSVP activities in Forth Valley include volunteering programmes within NHS hospitals and primary schools, charitable knitting groups, walking groups, and a Handyperson Scheme.  Over 1500 older people have engaged over the last 25 years. 

 We are looking for a Development Worker who can work flexibly, is driven, and is passionate about supporting older people to take part in volunteering.  The right candidate would be someone with excellent communication, relationship building, and organisation skills as well as experience of recruiting, coordinating and managing volunteers.  It is important that the post holder can commit to our organisational values - being Compassionate, Empowering, Inclusive, Positive and Straightforward.

You will lead to attract, recruit and support new RSVP volunteers, targeting older people who already are, or are at risk of, social isolation and poor health.  You will work closely with a small team of Volunteer Organisers, supporting and empowering them to deliver and develop existing and new RSVP activities across Forth Valley. 

Our Values & Way of Working:

In all that we do, we embrace a philosophy of ‘Freedom within a Framework’ and are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.

Diversity & Inclusion 

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups. 

 
Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments: 

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the “Experience/Skills” section of this advert.

To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your application.

We have also committed to the following pledges which positively encompass our recruitment and selection processes and methodology: The Promise, Show The Salary, Salary History. 

Benefits 

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work), Unlimited Annual Leave, Employee Pension scheme, Life Assurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, Season Ticket Loan, Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced sick and family leave. We are also open to discuss job share applications. 

GDPR Statement 

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to 6 months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.   

Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey has been established for over 100 years.  We enable and empower people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, partially sighted, and deafblind to overcome barriers and to be as independent as possible.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Children and Young People’s Service.  The team enables and empowers children, young people and families to thrive, by providing a variety of vibrant and impactful services, activities and events.

This role would suit someone who enjoys and is skilled at supporting families to overcome barriers they face as a result of having a disabled child, including providing one to one support, practical assistance, and group workshops.  Candidates should have experience of working with children, young people and families in a support role.

Key responsibilities

· Ensure parent carers have someone to work alongside them to help to overcome barriers they are facing as a family as a result of their child/’s sensory impairment.

· Provide practical assistance (such as letter writing and attending meetings with a parent carer) where this is needed.  This will include assisting with the Education & Health Care Plan (EHCP) to ensure it accurately reflects their needs.

· To assess and identify when the needs of the children and their families are not being met and work with parents, other professionals, and organisations as appropriate to address the issues with the aim of ensuring that the children have the opportunities and environments that will enable them to reach their potential and achieve their aspirations.

· Reduce loneliness and social isolation for parent carers by both connecting them with wider parent carer support services, and by organising and facilitating opportunities for them to come together, such as through drop-in events at community café’s and parent led support groups.

· Empower and enable parent carers to have the knowledge, skills, confidence, and support they need to advocate for their child/children through organising group training workshops and development around specific topics, creating and sharing resources that will help, and through our Power to The Parents event.

· To support children and young people through transition from children’s services into adult services, engaging with SEND services and adult services where appropriate.

· To follow all policies, including those focused on confidentiality, equality, and diversity. 

· Keep accurate and up to date records of work completed and support provided.

· Create, share and store two anonymised case studies each month which demonstrate the barriers faced by families, and the impact of the service.

· To attend weekend and school holiday activities and events to meet and support the children, young people, and their families at a time that works for them. 

· Ensure the family support service is needs led and inclusive for all.

· Offers first line emotional support to parents and young people as they come to terms with their vision impairment/ multi-sensory impairment as appropriate and make onward referrals where appropriate for more robust assistance, such as through our counselling service. 

· To encourage parents to become involved in activities available to children & their families and to support older children to engage with the 11UP and Young Adults programme as age appropriate.

· To keep up to date with current legislation, local and national policies, research and services and to share these appropriately.

· To be proactive in safeguarding all children and adults from abuse, and report any suspected incidents of abuse, following our policies and procedures which link with the Surrey County Council Safeguarding framework.

· To undertake all mandatory training, and continuous professional development (CPD) 

· To represent the charity at external forums and as appropriate, attend meetings as a representative.

· To co-operate fully as a member of the staff team and to ensure good communication at all times including attending team meetings, supervision and annual appraisal.

· To complete any other requests, with appropriate training, to support the wider team and charity goals.

Person Specification

Essential

· Significant experience of direct work with families in a support capacity

· Experience of planning and managing own workload within established guidelines

· Experience of working in partnership with outside agencies such as the Local Authority and Education.

· Ability to respond professionally and reflectively in situations where emotions may be running high.

· Ability to problem-solve and respond in a practical way to issues that arise.

· Ability to produce own routine correspondence using/ creating standard letters

· Experience in facilitating groups and workshops.

· Excellent communication skills, with a range of audiences in a range of formats. 

· Advanced influencing skills.

· Ability to understand and react to the needs of vulnerable families.

· Ability to prioritise, and to work under pressure to specific timescales and targets.

· Knowledge, understanding and experience of working with safeguarding processes.

· Knowledge of the Equality Act and other relevant legislation, with the ability to acquire this knowledge pro-actively where it is not already in place.

· Excellent understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries

· Knowledge and understanding of data sharing protocols

· Experience of working independently, and as part of a team.

· Ability and willingness to travel across the county as required to meet the needs of families (mileage paid at 0.45p per mile)

· An enthusiastic, positive and ‘can do’ attitude.

Desirable

· Experience working with children, and young people who have a vision impairment, multi sensory impairment, those who are hard of hearing or Deaf.

· British Sign Language (BSL) skills

· Instructed advocacy qualification

· Professional qualifications in related discipline

· Experience of setting up and developing services or projects

· Experience of producing case studies and impact reporting

We can offer you:

· A generous annual leave allowance (full time annual leave entitlement is 28 days per annum, plus bank holidays)

· Investment in your development

· Access to an Employee Assistance Programme

· Pension contributions 6% matched with the Pensions Trust

· Annual flu vaccinations and an eye test every two years with a contribution towards work related glasses

· Free parking

· A vibrant and friendly team! 

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service will be required, which we can arrange.

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

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

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

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

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