Social care trainer jobs

Are you a policy or campaigns leader who wants to drive real-world change?

Do you want to use your advocacy and communications skills to challenge injustice and amplify excluded voices?

At HCT, we know healthcare should work for everyone – but too often, it doesn’t. We’ve proven what’s possible: our work on hepatitis C has transformed services nationally, and we’re expanding into cancer prevention, harm reduction, needle exchange, and many other areas. We’re also at the forefront of the fight for justice for those affected by the Infected Blood scandal.

We’re looking for someone who can bring creativity, confidence, and passion to help us shift policy and public attitudes, amplify the voices of marginalised communities, and hold government to account. This is a pivotal moment for us organisationally as we seek to drive major change for the communities we work with, from drug policy to criminal justice to infected blood. The successful candidate will have excellent partnership-building skills across Government, VCS, NHS and Whitehall; have a strong focus on social justice; and have a real belief in the power of working closely with communities.

As Head of Policy & Advocacy, you will:

• Lead bold campaigns that influence government, shift public debate, and secure justice for excluded communities, including those affected by the Infected Blood scandal.
• Champion health equity: keeping hepatitis C elimination, harm reduction, and wider inclusion health issues firmly on the national agenda.
• Amplify lived experience by ensuring our campaigns, media work, and policy influencing are shaped by and centred on the voices of our teams and communities.
• Build power through partnerships: working with partner charities, health leaders, and campaigners to push for systemic change.
• Shape and oversee communications: from press engagement to social media — making sure our messages cut through and inspire action.
• Guide and support colleagues: line managing our Senior Policy & Campaigns Officer and playing an active role in our senior management team.

You’ll be someone who:

• Has experience influencing policy and shifting narratives – whether through campaigns, communications, advocacy, or all three.
• Knows how to build coalitions and partnerships, and can navigate Westminster, Whitehall, and beyond.
• Can work strategically and independently, spotting opportunities and acting on them.
• Is motivated by justice, equality, and creating a fairer future.
• Brings excellent communication skills – from crafting persuasive messages to building great relationships.
• Understands the value of evidence, but also the power of storytelling and lived experience in driving change.

This role offers real autonomy: you’ll have the space to shape our influencing and communications work, backed by a committed team and a growing organisation ready to amplify your impact.

About The Hepatitis C Trust

The Hepatitis C Trust (HCT) work with people who face severe health inequalities, including people who have hepatitis C and other health needs. With almost 500 staff and volunteers, we are the biggest lived experience organisation working in Inclusion Health in the UK. Our teams work in every community NHS area and in every prison in England, conducting outreach and providing a link between NHS services and the people they struggle to engage. We also work in parts of Scotland and Wales.

We are a leading part of the UK programmes to eliminate viral hepatitis, and we work with national and international partners to strengthen global elimination. We have a growing voice across Inclusion Health. And we are a core participant within the UK Infected Blood Inquiry, working closely with the communities affected, the Government and the NHS to ensure the Inquiry recommendations are implemented and everyone impacted receives long-overdue justice. 

We offer excellent staff support, generous annual leave and a range of employee benefits. We are a Living Wage and Flexible Working employer, and a signatory to the Race at Work Charter.  

Mind in Croydon is seeking to recruit a full time Advocacy Service Manager to join our small, dedicated team of Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHA) working to provide advocacy services to adults subjected to detention under the Mental Health Act in the London Borough of Croydon to ensure they understand, express and exercise their rights, and to enable them to access essential services. The advocacy team also provides Community Mental Health Advocacy for people who are informal patients in psychiatric hospital or living in the community and provides weekly advocacy service at two InMind Healthcare Group hospitals in Croydon.

The role is ideal for an experienced Advocate, who is passionate about promoting the rights of people who are experiencing poor mental health, in sometimes challenging conditions, but who is also committed to nurture the next generation of future advocates, as a key part of the role will involve supervising and supporting a current trainee in addition to a qualified IMHA, providing guidance, support, and skills development on casework and advocacy.

In December 2024 the team was awarded the Quality Performance Mark in Advocacy, a testament to their quality of service providing safe and life-changing support.

Advocacy Service Manager

SALARY: £ 37,728.88 per annum
plus pension contributions (above 4% by salary sacrifice)

REPORTS TO: Head of Social Inclusion & Support Services

RESPONSIBLE FOR: 2 Independent Mental Health Advocates(IMHA)

TERM: Permanent, subject to funding, full time (36 hours pw)

BASED AT: Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham BR3 3BX. Advocates are also required to meet clients at different sites throughout Croydon and neighbouring boroughs.

This role supports hybrid working. Other flexible arrangements can be discussed however please note that specific flexible working arrangements such as staggered hours may not be feasible due to operational constraints set by the Hospital.

The Green House is the only specialist service in Bristol, Bath & Northeast Somerset, and South Gloucestershire supporting children, young people, and families affected by sexual abuse. Our evidence-based, creative, and community-led service model has transformed access to support, reducing wait times by 63%. While rooted locally, our training and survivor-led programmes are shaping the national response to child sexual abuse. This is an exciting time to join our ambitious team as we deliver a new strategy designed to break the silence around child sexual abuse.

We have just secured national funding for the first time for the VOICE Project and are looking for a Senior VOICE Practitioner to lead development and expansion of the programme.

We are looking for a skilled facilitator, leader, activist, and changemaker who can bring energy, creativity, and confidence to working with young people and parents/carers with lived experience of trauma. While experience in therapeutic settings is valuable, this role is not focused on therapeutic delivery. We are seeking someone who thrives on group facilitation, co-production, and activism - someone who understands the power of connection and is passionate about shaping wider systems and influencing national change.

Purpose of the job

The Green House’s VOICE change-making project aims to support young survivors and their family members to lead social change through creativity. Together, we aim to create national systemic change around child sexual abuse. Our approach recognises the inherent strengths and possibility of all young people. We develop creative spaces where young people can connect with their community, grow beyond traumatic experiences and learn to lead services like ours, alongside social change. We see creative change-making and connecting those with lived experience together as imperative to healing. It is the hope for change that helps young people and their families to learn to live a whole life alongside traumatic experiences and step into their potential.

The VOICE Project has two workstreams: Young People’s VOICE and Parent/Carer VOICE. We work with young people to deliver a creative arts leadership programme (6 weekly group), alongside creative drop-in spaces, individual projects and paid-for mentorship opportunities. We work with our Parent/Carer VOICE group to deliver monthly group sessions, parent-led drop-in spaces and individual projects. The VOICE Project also leads our national child sexual abuse (CSA) practitioner network.

If you have a background in youth work, trauma services e.g., domestic abuse, sexual abuse, social care, community outreach, education, or social justice movements, we’d love to hear from you.

Please refer to the full job description and person specification - a copy is attached to this advert and is accessible via the 'Work with us page' on our website.

If you would like to be considered for this role please send your CV and a supporting document (in the format outlined below) by Wednesday 8th October 2025 to the email address stated in the JD/personal specification and on our 'Work with us page'.  Your supporting document must address the following question:

Why is supporting young people and their families to raise their voices and create change for others critical to healing?

The closing date for all applications is Wednesday 8th October 2025. Please ensure that you have submitted your CV and your supporting document in the format of your choice as outlined in the JD/person spec.

Interviews are expected to take place on 22nd & 24th October 2024 and will be held on-line.

Please that we will shortly be recruiting a VOICE Practitioner post to accompany the Senior role, please specify in your letter whether you would also like to be considered for this post should your Senior application be unsuccessful.

There is an optional Equal Opportunities Form attached to this advert and on our website for our internal diversity in recruitment monitoring, which can be sent to us at the same address alongside your application. The form will not be seen by those involved in the recruitment process. Although not mandatory, this monitoring allows us to align recruitment with our overall HR strategy, and continuously improve on how we attract, recruit, and retain a diverse range of candidates.

We're looking for 4 kind, compassionate and resilient Support Workers to join our Young People Service in Bracknell.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. They will work with customers to promote social inclusion and alongside other members of the team to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices.

The working hours for this position are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and from 1:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with the same shifts applying on weekends.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Approachable and open behaviour
• Prefers working as part of a group or team
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
• Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
• Flexible
• Open to feedback and self development
• Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
• Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
• Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
• Is essentially customer-focused
• Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
• Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent experience in the social care/charity sector

Desirable:

• Experience working with young people

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Community Engagement & Training Officer to join the Engagement team covering Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is based out of our Chandlers Ford office on a hybrid basis with the expectation of 60% of your working week from the office. The role will include regular travel across the Hampshire & Isle of Wight region. You will be required to work flexibly to attend events in evenings and weekends, time off in lieu will be given.

As a Community Engagement & Training Officer, you will play a vital role in strengthening Victim Support's presence and impact within the community. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing Engaging Content: Creating compelling and inclusive social media content tailored to diverse audiences to raise awareness of Victim Support's services and initiatives. You will also be required to create posters, leaflets and other promotional material to help inform communities about the service.
• Event Coordination and Representation: Organising and representing Victim Support at community events such as Pride, 999 Days, and local fairs. You will engage directly with victims and witnesses of crime, offering immediate emotional and practical support.
• Delivering Presentations: Designing and delivering impactful presentations to criminal justice partners, including police and probation services, to promote collaboration and raise awareness of Victim Support's work.
• Community Relationship Building: Establishing and nurturing strong relationships with community leaders, local organisations, and stakeholders to enhance outreach and support networks.

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

Due to vetting requirements the successful candidate must have lived within the UK for three years.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Why this role matters

At Age Cymru West Glamorgan, we believe everyone deserves to age well and enjoy life. Our Information & Advice (I&A) service is at the heart of this mission. It’s our flagship service, supporting thousands of older people and carers every year — and last year alone we helped clients secure over £1 million in unclaimed welfare benefits.

The service is growing in reach, impact, and complexity. That’s why we’re now recruiting an Information & Advice Service Manager — a brand-new role that will provide the leadership, oversight and expertise the service needs to flourish into the future.

What you’ll do:

This is a varied role that blends strategic leadership, quality oversight and hands-on expertise. You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading the I&A service, ensuring it meets the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) and delivers consistently excellent outcomes.

• Supporting and mentoring staff and volunteers, creating a collaborative and high-performing culture.

• Acting as safeguarding lead for the service.

• Driving continuous improvement in systems, policies and practice.

• Building strong relationships with funders, commissioners and partners, demonstrating the impact of our work.

• Occasionally taking on complex cases yourself, using your expertise to guide both the team and the clients we support.

Who we’re looking for :

We know there isn’t one single background that produces a great I&A Manager. That’s why we’ve built in flexibility around hours and salary, and why we’d love to hear from you even if you don’t tick every box.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Experience leading or managing advice services (welfare benefits, housing, health & social care or similar).

• Strong safeguarding knowledge and confidence acting as a safeguarding lead.

• A track record of managing contracts, KPIs and reporting requirements.

• Excellent people skills: you’ll enjoy coaching and developing others, and you’ll know how to get the best from both staff and volunteers.

• The ability to represent ACWG confidently with funders and partners.

If you’re passionate about making a difference for older people and carers, and you’ve got leadership experience in advice services, we’d love to talk.

Why work with us

We’re a values-driven local charity with a culture of freedom and responsibility. That means we trust our people to make decisions, innovate and deliver, while giving them the support they need to succeed.

Benefits include:

• 34 days annual leave pro rata (rising with service up to 39 days including bank holidays)

• Enhanced pension (5% employer contribution, matched up to 8%)

• Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (counselling, financial and legal advice, wellbeing support)

• Hybrid working and flexible hours

• Paid leave for special circumstances

• Ongoing training and CPD opportunities

Not sure if this is for you?

We know job descriptions can sometimes put people off applying. Please don’t let that be the case here. If you’re interested but not sure whether you meet every requirement, we would strongly encourage you to get in touch and have a chat about the role, your skills, and whether this could be a good match.

Reference Number:  V560

Job Title: Project Manager

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne (Hybrid – office, home, community-based)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 28 hours per week

Salary: £30,000 Full Time Equivalent (£24K pro rata)

DBS/PVG: Enhanced Level DBS

Job Family: Job Family 4

Line Manager: Delivery Leader: Scotland & Northeast England  

Closing Date:             23rd October 2025

Interview Dates: TBC

Start Date: ASAP

Interview Dates: To be confirmed

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

Volunteering Matters  

Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.

What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.

How we do this

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.

• We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.
   
• We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.
   
• We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.
   
• We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.
   
• We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.

 
Our work across Newcastle
Volunteering Matters play a vital role supporting volunteering in Newcastle. Since 2005, we have been operating Volunteer Centre Newcastle (VCN). This service provides a wide range of support around all things volunteering to 1250+ charities, organisations, and groups locally. Each year, we also support 2500+ members of the public who are interested in volunteering and need support to get started. We also lead the Home from Hospital and Community Support project where volunteers support older people with their transition home following a hospital admission. 

In early 2025, we launched the Good Neighbours Newcastle project funded by Newcastle City Council. We deliver this project alongside our delivery partner organisation, Search Newcastle, with a second partner organisation scheduled to join in early 2026.

Good Neighbours project
We would all like to live in a place that has a sense of community, where people look out for their neighbours. The Good Neighbours project aims to foster a feeling of positive wellbeing and independence for those who may be socially isolated, or who don’t have many people around them, giving that “little bit of help”.

The project helps people in the community feel safe, supported, and more able to live an independent life, whilst preventing, reducing and delaying the need for formal support through Adult Social Care. It also provides people the opportunity to volunteer a little time, in a flexible way, to make a difference in their own community. We know volunteering can lead to enhanced skills, and positive wellbeing. Volunteers provide practical or social support, completing “one-off’ or short-term tasks, supporting a neighbour.  This includes tasks like collecting essentials, driving someone to a GP appointment, helping with odd jobs around the house, light gardening, or checking in with someone for a cuppa and chat. 

Role Purpose
We are looking for a talented, dynamic, and professional Project Manager to join our team in Newcastle.  The right candidate would be someone with excellent knowledge of “best practice” in Volunteer Management and with experience of establishing new and exciting volunteering programmes.

This is a senior role within our Newcastle team so it is essential that the postholder is agile, can work flexibly, is an excellent communicator, and can build strong working relationships with a range of people. 

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Good Neighbours project, meeting ambitious goals, ensuring all volunteers and beneficiaries achieve positive outcomes
   
• Lead and manage our partnerships on a day-to-day level with Search Newcastle and another local charity, to raise the profile of the project, ensuring successful delivery and ongoing development of the work
   
• Manage and lead our use of the volunteer management system, Volunteero, ensuring its effective use across our Newcastle work 

Our Values & Way of Working

In all that we 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 Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter. 

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 (paid) Annual Leave allowance

· Employee Pension scheme 

· Life Assurance 

· Cycle to Work Scheme 

· Season Ticket Loan 

· Employee Assistance Programme 

· Enhanced sick and family leave.

· Lifestyle Discount Scheme

We are also open to discussing 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 six 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.

Policy on AI-Generated Applications 

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI. 

To Apply

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.

Right to Work in the UK

Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.

If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help. Whether you're a candidate looking for more information or with an HR query, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Job Title: Deputy Service Manager (Maternity Cover)

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £28,539.24 per annum
Contract type: Part Time, Fixed Term Contract (From November 2025 Until November 2026)

Hours: 30 hours per week (days to be discussed)

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Deputy Service Manager to support women and children who are impacted by domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.

The deputy manager will contribute to the management of the IDVA, Outreach and Helpline Single Point of Access community based services, in line with Refuge’s policies and procedures and quality management system.  This involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors.

The post holder will provide line management and support to staff. This will include providing supervision on complex casework issues such as child protection, overseeing operational emergencies and ensuring high standards of support.

Working closely with the services manager to ensure that contractual and other funding requirements are met fully and that Refuge’s high quality standards are maintained, the role may involve visiting potential sites and contributing to the establishment of new services in conjunction with the development team.

The job involves working closely with members of staff that support victims and survivors of domestic abuse using our services, which will include overseeing the delivery of groupwork and participating in multi-agency forums and multi-agency training delivery.

The deputy manager will act as an ambassador for Refuge, demonstrating Refuge values in their work.

As a member of the management team, the post holder will be required to participate in an out-of-hours management service.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 20 October 2025

Interview Date: 27 and 28 October 2025

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Male Specialist Behavioural Support Worker to join our Learning disabilities service in Newham.

£29,113.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service

* Free DBS

* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card

* Fully paid induction programme and further training

* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Male staff only - customer requires only male staff due to personal care and behavioural / support needs.

What you'll do:

* Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere

* Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information

* Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

About you:

* Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement

* Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour

* Prefers working as part of a group or team

* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement

What you'll bring:

Essential:

* NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some or equivalent sector work experience

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

* We focus on Excellence and innovation.

* We are Caring and Compassionate.

* We are Inclusive and Trusted.

* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description

Post Title Part-time Addictions Counsellor (0.6 FTE)
Salary Up to £35,515 per annum (FTE)
Hours 21 hours/3 days per week Monday to Friday (specific days negotiable)
Responsible to Therapeutic Programme Manager
Purpose of Post To support residents to achieve sustained abstinent recovery from problematic substance use. To facilitate group therapy sessions and hold one-to-one counselling sessions. To ensure SCT’s residents are secure and maintain their tenancies as part of the therapeutic practice.
Location Spitalfields Crypt Trust, The Recovery Hub, 116 - 118 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6JN
Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT)
Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT) is an East London charity providing practical and therapeutic support and training to people who are or who have been homeless and are in recovery from addictions. SCT runs a Housing First service, a Recovery Hub (which includes an abstinent-based residential recovery hostel, an Addictions Counselling Programme, and a Training and Development Programme), supported housing and two social enterprises. All our services support people in recovery from addictions to put their lives back together. Our integrative approach is based on the ‘Recovery Capital’ model and is a whole-person approach, which considers physical, cultural, social, human, and spiritual factors and assets.
In employment we actively seek to recruit people with a good combination of talent, skills, and potential, promoting equality for all, and welcome applications from a wide range of candidates. We select all candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications, experience and commitment to the values and purposes of the organisation. SCT is a growing organisation with opportunities for people with good motivational skills and high levels of initiative.
The Role
The successful candidate will be working with adults in a residential setting delivering assessments, group sessions and one-to-one therapy to those admitted to the service. The post-holder will offer an intensive, abstinent-based programme with high levels of group therapy and a strong emphasis on aftercare support. The role will include facilitating specialist psycho-educational groups, 12 step, relapse prevention therapeutic groups and individual counselling sessions.
You will work closely with our Supported Housing team and be required to participate in regular team meetings. You will also be required to liaise with external agencies and work creatively to provide the most appropriate treatment plans for clients with complex needs. You may be required to cover occasional evening Aftercare groups.
Main Responsibilities
•
Undertake assessments of people entering the service through various referral sources.
•
Develop, facilitate, and review a group work programme that meets the needs of our clients. These might include dual diagnosis, trauma, cross-addiction, criminal justice issues and various types of substance use.
•
Provide a holistic package of care to people which meets their needs and includes working with colleagues across other teams to help residents with diversionary activities, employment, training, and education.
•
Work with the Supported Housing team to ensure residents are safe, secure, and maintain their tenancies and are prepared to move onto independent living.
•
Provide a range of one-to-one interventions that might include MI, person-centered care, CBT, DBT and trauma work.
•
Manage a caseload of individuals with a wide spectrum of needs.
•
Assist residents to understand the effects and benefits of any medication prescribed for them and the importance of complying with treatment regimes. This might include liaising with pharmacists, doctors, and psychiatrists for monitoring purposes.
•
Provide psychoeducation to raise awareness and understanding of substances and their effects.
•
Provide onward referral and liaison with wrap-around support within SCT to enable our residents to achieve social integration and personal development.
Client Management
•
Coordinate and carry out assessments of new residents and the referral and acceptance process, ensuring that each client has a programme appropriate to their needs.
•
Conduct joint 3 and 6-monthly reviews with Supported Housing team colleagues.
•
Provide group and individual counselling as required by the service.
•
Support residents from admission until completion of treatment.
Operational Support
•
Comply with all monitoring and evaluation requirements.
General Responsibilities
•
Engage with and inspire people in recovery.
•
Ensure a safe and secure environment for residents, free from alcohol and drugs, and free from abusive behaviour and exploitation.
•
Ensure that all SCT activities are carried out with due regard to Health and Safety legislation, SCT policies and procedures, as well as good practice.
•
Work within the policies and procedures of SCT.
•
Implement SCT’s Equal Opportunities Policy, understanding its implication in the development of services to clients.
•
Attend regular supervision sessions, both internal and external.
•
Attend meetings within and on behalf of SCT as appropriate.
•
Undertake other tasks consistent with the post or as delegated by your line manager.
Strategic Excellence
•
Be an effective role model, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
•
Work collaboratively with the Recovery Hub team.
•
Ensure you are kept up to date with developments within the sector, thus enhancing your knowledge and practice
•
Capture the outcomes of the therapeutic programme with all monitoring and evaluation methods that are required by your line manager, to capture the impact of SCT work, whilst ensuring the voice of SCT clients are heard.
Qualifications and Experience ESSENTIAL
•
Educated to degree level or Diploma Level 4 in Counselling.
•
Two years’ experience of therapeutic work with: people in recovery, people experiencing homelessness or people with significant trauma histories / adverse childhood experiences.
•
One year’s experience of one-to-one counselling.
•
A solid working understanding of CBT, MI, Relapse Prevention techniques and/or other interventions applicable to working with people in recovery.
•
Experience in delivering therapeutic group work.
•
Experience in encouraging individuals to reflect on their behaviour (consequences and risks), recognise the benefits and potential for change and provide support and encouragement to help residents achieve change positively within an abstinent community.
•
Using effective support systems and networks to develop own knowledge and practice.
•
Adhere to the principles of confidentiality of information.
•
The ability to understand and work with others’ points of view, values and beliefs.
•
The ability to change working techniques based on new information or evidence.
•
Able to encourage others to express their views, feelings and wishes.
•
Contributes positively to debate within the staff team.
•
Promotes SCT by their own standards of conduct.
•
Encourages, values and respects contributions from other team members.
•
Possesses good written and oral communication and IT skills.
DESIRABLE
•
Knowledge of local services and geography.
•
Knowledge of the addiction, homelessness sector, social housing and the benefits system
•
Experience of working with people with complex needs

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Chef to join our Edward Alsop Court Service in Westminster.

£11,966.50 per annum, working 17.5 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're part of one team? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Our kitchen chef will prepare and cook meals for residents according to agreed menus. Oversees the service kitchen by managing any other members of the food preparation team, deciding what dishes to serve and adjusting orders to meet client's requests.

Monday-Friday 3.30pm-7.30pm. 17.5 hours per week

What you'll do:

• To be responsible for the day-to-day supervision for all staff working in the kitchen/dining room
• To prepare and cook meals for residents according to agreed menus
• To ensure that meals are provided on time in accordance advertised meal times
• To ensure food kitchen hygiene meets a high standard at all times
• To ensure that all meals are appropriately presented and served

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Approachable and open behaviour
• Prefers working as part of a group or team
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• *Holds a level 3 food safety certificate

Desirable:

• Previously worked in a kitchen environment

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

• We focus on Excellence and innovation.
• We are Caring and Compassionate.
• We are Inclusive and Trusted.
• We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see full Job description on our website

Clinical Lead

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Clinical Lead

Location: Based in our Central Office in Islington which is around a 10 minute walk from Highbury and Islington station. You will also work across multiple services in and around London, Kent, Brighton, Luton and Bedford. Please be kindly aware there is no step free access at this location and some of our other sites. 

Salary: Full time equivalent salary is £61,800

Shift Pattern: 15 hours per week working 5 to 7.5 hour shifts Monday to Friday between 09:00 - 17:00, set days and shifts can be discussed in the recruitment process with the hiring team. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service and organisational needs. 

About the role

As a Clinical Led, you will be responsible for shaping, leading, and delivering our Clinical strategy. You will drive clinical excellence and innovation across our services by providing leadership, knowledge, and your skills to upskill and empower our wider teams. You will champion best practice, compliance, and continuous improvement to ensure we are providing meaningful outcomes for our residents and participants. 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Take lead on developing and implementing healthy and safe clinical strategies, policies, and procedures across the organisation.
• Provide expert clinical oversight across all relevant services.
• Lead on research initiatives to evidence the effectiveness of our clinical offer that will provide ongoing evaluations and reviews for SIG.
• Manage ongoing clinical projects, research projects, and audits.
• Provide hands on support to managers throughout resident and participant interactions with SIG.
• Support teams with cases and medication issues, working alongside external clinical teams.
• Complete and manage serious case reviews, in collaboration with various teams internally and externally to complete thorough evaluation and make recommendations.
• Lead on risk management and risk assessments, in line with SIG’s theory of change, carry out strengths-based assessments of need and risk and deliver holistic support and risk management plans, enabling residents/participants to achieve their aspirations and keep themselves safe.

About you

We are looking for someone who can proactively take leadership and ownership of creating safer and compliant clinical services for our residents and participants. You will be able to communicate highly complex and sensitive information effectively, and able to upskill others to be empowered to perform within their roles, with knowledge of clinical excellence. You will have:

• Registered Clinical Profession; Specialist Registered Mental Health Nurse, Non Medical Prescriber qualification or equivalent
• Proven leadership in clinical service delivery within health, social care, or third sector settings
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and driving service excellence
• Ability to teach, train, consult, and deliver clinical supervision
• Thorough understanding of risk management and able to share this with colleagues at all levels through training, meetings and one to one support
• Ability to translate industry standards into internal practices, updating relevant people on any updates on a regular basis. Keep in line with regulations and relevant trends
• Understanding of interplay between physical health, mental health, and substance use
• Ability to understand and apply safeguarding protocols as they arise
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme
• Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.
• Join an organisation with a mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.

We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of all of our employees. We have a team of staff ambassadors who volunteer to actively support us in fortifying our organisational value of Inclusivity. They embrace this unique opportunity to deliver awareness, events, and developments to our organisation to support us in ensuring our value of Inclusivity is embedded throughout the organisation. 

SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity. 

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Clinical | Nurse | Charity | Mental Health | Medication 

About This Job

The Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training (CCAT) has two main delivery centres, Capel Curig Training Camp in North Wales which includes the Headquarters, and Halton Training Camp near Lancaster. It delivers an annual programme of Mountaineering, Paddlesport, Mountain Biking, Caving and Snowsport National Governing Body (NGB) accredited pathways leading to coach, instructor and leader qualifications for Army Cadets aged 15 plus and their adult volunteers.

CCAT also delivers a broad range of national Army Cadet overseas expeditions and a programme of concentrations from their partner centres in Scotland, southern England and Bavaria.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the CCAT team. We are looking for a self-motivated enthusiastic and experienced Support Officer to work with our Centre Manager at Halton.

You will support the Centre Manager ensuring that all of the administrative and logistical requirements are in place to enable safe, effective and enjoyable Adventurous Training courses and expeditions in accordance with current legislation, Army Cadet policies and NGB guidelines.

You may also be required on occasion to support AT concentrations delivered from our partner sites throughout the UK and assist with the delivery of a programme of national overseas expeditions.

This is a rewarding and flexible role. The position is a permanent full-time post (40 hours per week). The successful applicant will be required to travel occasionally. The starting annual salary for this post is £28,808.00.

Essential Skills

· Experience of working with young people and adult volunteers in a residential setting.

· Trained and demonstratable experience of using digital systems e.g. Microsoft Office 365, Westminster or other management systems.

· Demonstrable success in establishing effective working relationships across a range of organisations.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, effective interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.

· Excellent organisational and administration skills, self-motivated and have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Experience of organising and administering residential activities.
• Experience in creating and developing social media presence.

· Hold a full UK driving licence.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.

Our charity

ACCT UK is a national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people. Together we want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and be inspired through their cadet experience.

We want to develop the youth leadership and training abilities of adult volunteers whilst also helping young people to access cadet activities through fundraising, grant-making, developing new resources and direct support.

We strongly believe that everyone benefits when you help young people to develop their character and values through activities that stretch and mature them. We also know that when young people engage with others at a range of levels in their communities it builds confidence and improves empathy for other’s lives.

Who we are

You will enjoy being part of our small team who work very happily together. By joining ACCT UK you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable aims.

The charities are proud of our diverse teams, with people on different working patterns, from different backgrounds and at different life-stages. Our experience has taught us that having people with different perspectives and different lived experiences leads to better outcomes for our beneficiaries. If you are wondering if our organisation is for someone like you, the answer is yes! Please apply and explain how you, your experience, your talent and your potential are the right fit for this role.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager).

· The ability to work both from home and from our Halton office.

· Personal Accident Insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit.

· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff).

· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%).

· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year.

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible)

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a covering letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description along with a CV by 2359hrs Sunday 12th October 2025.

Interviews will be held at Halton, Lancaster, LA2 6LW on Thursday 23rd October 2025.

Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergo both a Disclosure and Barring Service check and a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check (one of the requirements being that applicants must have been resident in the UK for 3 years). In addition, we will follow up references.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Waking Night Support Worker to join our Young People's service in Ealing.

£21,606.00 per annum, working 30 hours per week.

Want to feel in control of your career? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
• Online wellbeing resources
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Oaklands & St Kilda's is made up of two newly refurbished six-bedroom homes, located close to each other in Ealing, West London. We work with up to 12 young people at a time, providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. Many of the young people joining us are moving on from hospital, stepping down from more intensive placements, or transitioning from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult services.

Our team delivers 24-hour trauma-informed and psychologically informed support. You'll play a key role in helping each young person shape their own support and service experience. Everyone receives a bespoke welcome pack and is encouraged to personalise their living space, helping them feel at home from day one.

We place a strong emphasis on participation and co-production. Young people are encouraged to make decisions about their care, engage in partnership meetings, and take part in activities that build skills and confidence - whether that's cooking, budgeting, managing medication, or accessing education and work opportunities.

Support workers will manage a number of young people to help them to identify, plan and achieve their goals, develop relationships meaningful to them and achieve greater independence by providing a flexible and individually tailored support package.

This is a Waking Night role working to support young people throughout the night at the service.

This role consists of three weekly shifts from 22:00 to 08:00, with double cover for each shift.

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

• We focus on Excellence and innovation.
• We are Caring and Compassionate.
• We are Inclusive and Trusted.
• We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.