13 Specialist support worker jobs in Bracknell, Bracknell Forest

Please note - this role is homebased in Scotland, with some travel througout Scotland and to London required.

Independent Age is the national charity working towards ending financial hardship in later life.  

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free information and advice to older people without enough money to live on, while our external training equips professionals with the information they need to support older people on low incomes. Through our grants programme, we fund and support hundreds of local charities working with older people across the UK.  We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.  

We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This new role is an integral part of the day-to-day delivery of our Advice and Support Service. The service is targeted at older people in or facing financial hardship, and provides information, advice and follow up support relating to a range of issues, including Welfare Benefits, Social Care and Housing. 

As an Adviser (Scotland) you will be responsible for providing specialist support to older people, their families and carers through our advice service with their enquiries relating to housing and welfare benefits in Scotland as well as providing generalist level support on a range of issues through our duty service.

You should have in depth, specialist level knowledge of Housing or Welfare Benefits in Scotland as they relate to older people. Experience of working within a high-volume advice setting and advice supervision framework such as the AQS framework.

We plan to further develop our advice offer in Scotland to cover advice around charging for Social Care, so whilst not essential, knowledge of this area, or a desire to develop will be beneficial.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. We also are open to this role being worked on a part-time basis on a minimum of 21 hours per week.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all. But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

With an employee engagement score of 98%, colleagues say Independent Age is a great place to work. You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age by visiting the Careers page on our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification. 

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, such as having the job description in a larger text format or to apply in an alternative format, please get in touch with us via the email address on the ‘Contact Us’ page on our jobs site. 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Please don’t include your name, photo, or any information that could indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement, and don’t include your name in the title of any documents that you upload. However, please do include all dates of employment.  

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require a minimum of two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Level 1 (Basic) Disclosure check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Sunday 4th October 2026 11:59pm

Interview Dates: 

First round of interviews will take place online on Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th October

Second round of interviews will be held in person, in Glasgow, on Wednesday 21st October

Our Specialist Social Workers work closely with the Head of Expert Witness Service to ensure the delivery of high-quality independent social work reports (ISWRs). They supervise volunteer social workers, quality assure reports, carry out social work assessments themselves, and contribute towards volunteer training opportunities and service development to maintain excellence in social work practice. 

The core Specialist Social Worker role is three days per week, with the opportunity to work additional days by taking on service operations and referral coordination responsibilities. 

Benefits:

• Regular professional supervision from the Head of Expert Witness Service 
• Access to training and CPD opportunities to support Social Work England registration requirements 
• Professional development opportunities, including support to begin working towards a formal expert witness accreditation
• Laptop and mobile phone provided 
• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with expenses policy 

If you are passionate about making a difference for PWS families in Northern Ireland, we want to hear from you!
PWSA UK is a small charity providing lifelong support to all those affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). PWS is a rare genetic condition causing an overwhelming and uncontrollable drive to eat that can be life-limiting, as well as learning and physical disabilities. We provide a dedicated helpline, a comprehensive information hub, a network of peer support groups, a varied programme of community events, training for professionals working with those with PWS, and support for vital research. Our aim is to help our amazing community overcome the challenges and live life to the full with PWS.
We are looking for a part time PWS Specialist Adviser for Northern Ireland to support the PWS community in Northern Ireland. PWS is a rare and isolating condition and our ambition it to reach families in Northern Ireland to provide impactful advice, support, information and training. The ideal candidate will have an in-depth working knowledge of health and social care systems and education in Northern Ireland as well as a belief in the potential and value of people with Prader-Willi syndrome. 
You will need to be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as being self-motivated and able to engage with families, health care professionals and policy makers. You will build on the excellent work of our existing support worker to continue engage and enable the PWS community. 
The position is part time (14 - 18 hours a week) and is home based and ideal for someone living in Northern Ireland

Richmond Borough Mind is a vibrant local charity that has been supporting and providing services for adults affected by mental health problems and their carers for over 60 years. 

We are excited to be looking for a Young Adults Peer Support Worker. You will have your own lived experience of mental ill health and be able to use this experience as well as your professional skills and knowledge, to support others.

With the expansion of our work in this area we aim to reduce waiting times, reduce the number of people going into crisis, address inequalities and support transitions from youth to adult services. We will be offering holistic and personalised care and support to service users and carers.

This role will carry caseload and deliver a range of support and person-centred interventions to meet these needs, which could include group support, one-to-one interventions and signposting where specialist advice is needed. Referrals could be young adults, careleavers, people currently under adult mental health services, or carers supporting people in the community.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about motivating and coaching individuals with mental health issues, and able to support people on their journey to recovery. As well as having an empathy with the core values of RB Mind, the successful applicants will have the skills to provide person-centred support, through one-to-one sessions and through facilitating groups. You will have an awareness of the boundaries we work within when supporting vulnerable adults. You should be enthusiastic and self-motivated, and must be able to work on your own initiative.

This is a partnership project with South West London St George’s Mental Health Trust (SWLStG), locally led by Richmond Borough Mind. There are further Peer Support Worker vacancies within Age UK, Richmond AID, and Crossroads Care requiring appropriate skills and experience. Partners will seek your permission to share your details if we have sufficient successful applications.

Richmond Borough Mind values diversity and difference.  We welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

Benefits of working for RB Mind: 

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year, increasing by 1 day per full

year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days) [pro rata]. 

· Bonus 1 day of annual leave per year over the festive period

· Contributory Pension Scheme 

· Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 

· Training and personal development opportunities 

· Staff away days and socials 

· Access to shared resources and training opportunities via Mind Federated Network.

The successful applicant will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

We’re looking for a compassionate and motivated Community Connector to join our GP Integrated Mental Health Service and Mental Health Integrated Community Service in Surrey Heath.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local communities, supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing by helping them access the right support at the right time. Working alongside GPs, mental health practitioners, partner agencies and community organisations, you will provide timely assessments, brief psychosocial interventions and practical support that helps people build on their strengths, overcome barriers and connect with services, activities and networks that promote independence and recovery.

As part of Catalyst Support, you will be joining a Surrey charity committed to supporting wellness together through kindness, integrity and commitment. We are looking for someone who is confident working with people experiencing mental health challenges, able to build positive relationships with professionals and community partners, and passionate about making support more accessible, joined-up and person-centred.

Location: Surrey Heath
Salary: £30,280
Hours: 35 hours across Monday to Friday
Contract type: Permanent

Key responsibilities:

To work jointly with the Mental Health Practitioner in conducting assessments, including risk assessment, and to work with patients to support them in identifying their socially determined needs and goals, provide self-management tools and facilitate the development of personal support plans

• To provide a range of motivational and structured psychosocial interventions
• To promote independence through an enabling asset-based approach that draws on individuals’ strengths, preferences and ‘natural’ support networks
• To establish effective working relationships with a range of agencies to facilitate a ‘joined up’ approach to support plans
• To liaise with, develop and maintain good relations with GPs, practice managers and other health practitioners across mental health and physical health pathways and wider support networks
• To provide continuity throughout recovery; engaging the patient with key services such as Safe Havens, accessing CMHRS, and providing support for those engaged with and leaving CMHRS, and linking into local wellbeing services and activities
• To co-ordinate and support patients to access a range of community services such as wellbeing services, housing providers, family and carer support services, debt and employer advisors where appropriate
• To assist with community resource mapping exercises and maintain a database of community resources; map where there are gaps in provision across the PCN and wider geography and work with other VCS organisations to develop resources where most needed
• To promote and support (where necessary) advised follow up actions from physical health checks for people with serious mental illness
• To support patients to engage with local peer support workers and volunteering services
• To support and supervise any peer support workers linked to PCN
• To work with the service to identify opportunities to expand provision particularly in local communities where there is a lack of service provision identified
• To broker and establish new partnerships between public and voluntary sector agencies to enhance service delivery and access to services
• To develop and sustain professional relationships with service users, partner agencies and appropriate external agencies
• To complete locally agreed quality outcome measures, with patients and to undertake regular reviews
• You may be required to cover duties not listed within this job description.

About the organisation

Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health, and wellbeing—together, every step of the way.

 About you

Essential:

• A diploma or degree in an appropriate subject, e.g. counselling, psychology, social work, probation, mental health, or Health and Social Care Level 3; and/or a minimum of two years’ community experience in drug, alcohol or mental health work.
• Understanding and ability to work to confidentiality, consent, information sharing and safeguarding policies within an integrated service.
• Good communication and written skills, with a commitment to accurate and confidential record keeping.
• Ability to interact effectively with the client group, colleagues and other professionals while maintaining clear boundaries.
• Ability to break down stigma and barriers associated with working with the client group.
• Understanding of the issues and needs of the client group.
• Knowledge and understanding of community working and lone working, with the ability to maintain safety while working in the community.
• Ability to work to all policies, procedures and standards of the service and joint-working arrangements with key partners.
• Good understanding of personal limitations, with the ability to identify when to seek advice and support and deal with emotionally challenging issues objectively and professionally.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour, anger and verbal aggression from patients.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to enter data onto a database as required by the service.
• Demonstrates Catalyst’s values of kindness, commitment and integrity.
• Ability to maintain equal opportunity standards at all times.
• Ability to be resilient when working with the client group, while demonstrating compassion and willingness to go the extra mile.
• Ability to maintain respect for the client group, peers and partners.
• Adaptable to change.
• Dynamic and self-motivated.
• Proactive, motivated and energetic.
• Ability to work calmly in a challenging environment.
• Capacity to innovate and work flexibly on own initiative as well as part of a team.
• Commitment to developing skills and knowledge through ongoing learning and development.
• Ability to work flexibly across operational hours.
• Ability to work to the policies, procedures and standards of the charity.

Desirable

• If holding a professional qualification, maintain up-to-date professional registration, e.g. BACP, HCPC, BPS or recognised equivalent.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources

Safeguarding & Checks

• This role is subject to a basic DBS check.
• A past history of drug/alcohol issues or criminality will not necessarily exclude you from this role; we encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate.
• All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment.

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

At One YMCA, we work alongside young people to help them develop confidence, skills, resilience, and positive futures. We are looking for an inspiring, experienced and motivated Youth Work Manager to lead and develop our local youth work provision, ensuring that high-quality, impactful services reach young people across our communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering our Youth Work Strategy, managing a dedicated team, driving quality and developing services that make a real difference in the lives of young people.

About the role:

Reporting to the Head of Youth Work, you will take operational responsibility for the delivery, development, monitoring, and quality assurance of our youth work services. You will lead and support Youth Work Coordinators and wider youth work staff, ensuring services are safe, effective, youth-centred, and aligned with One YMCA's strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and delivery of youth work programmes, specialist support services, mentoring initiatives, life skills courses, and large-scale youth events.
• Managing and supporting staff through recruitment, induction, supervision, training, and performance development.
• Monitoring contract performance, outcomes, impact data, and key performance indicators to demonstrate the difference our services make.
• Building strong relationships with schools, local authorities, partner agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Leading quality assurance, compliance, safeguarding, and continuous improvement across the service.
• Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and participating in the safeguarding on-call rota.
• Working with young people and teams to ensure youth voice is at the heart of everything we do.

We're looking for someone who combines strong operational leadership, experience in managing contractual compliance, with a genuine commitment to young people.

You will bring:

• Significant experience delivering and managing youth work programmes, projects, or contracts.
• A strong understanding of issues affecting young people's lives and a passion for helping them achieve positive outcomes.
• Experience leading, motivating, and developing staff teams.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and partnership-working skills.
• The ability to analyse data, monitor impact, and use insight to improve services.
• A youth work or related community-focused qualification at degree level, or significant equivalent experience.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Location: Home-based role but with regular travel to YMCA youth work delivery sites across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, as well as to support the broader youth work within One YMCA. 

Driving licence and access to a car is essential for this role.

If you are an experienced youth work leader ready for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you! 

Important: Please include a supporting statement with your application/CV.

We do not provide visa sponsorship; you must be eligible to work in the UK. You must reside in the UK for the duration of your employment and provide Right to Work evidence.

As some of our roles involve working with vulnerable members of society, this position may require a Basic or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be conducted once a conditional offer is made

Previous Applications: We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. However, if you have applied for a similar role within the last 6 months and were not successful, please consider whether your experience has developed further before reapplying

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will strive to be as accommodating as possible. Please inform us in advance of any arrangements you may need to fully participate in the process.

At One YMCA we are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage/Civil Partnership, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and/or Sexual Orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, generally Monday to Friday but with flexibility of working pattern to support both the ideal candidate and business need. Some evening work expected, and occasional weekend, overnight stays or residential work.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Refuge Worker to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse Service in Wandsworth 

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

This role involves providing intensive, person-centred support to women in a residential setting. The role includes delivering key sessions, community meetings, and daily contact to assess and monitor individual needs. You will co-produce Support and Safety Plans with residents, focusing on their strengths and goals, and offer advice on safety, domestic abuse, housing, and independent living. Responsibilities also include liaising with statutory bodies on safeguarding matters, supporting move-on accommodation, and promoting empowerment through workshops and social activities. The role follows “The Hestia Approach,” prioritising co-production, recovery, and partnership with service users.

Wat do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The successful candidate will have substantial experience working directly with individuals who present a wide range of support needs, risks, and aspirations for their future. They will be confident in delivering high‑quality casework, including key working, support planning, and risk assessments, with a strong focus on promoting independence and recovery. A solid understanding of issues affecting women experiencing domestic abuse, as well as knowledge of mental health, substance misuse, and the wider social factors impacting service users, is essential.

The role requires someone who is able to work collaboratively with a variety of external agencies, including Social Services, mental health teams, drug and alcohol services, and other community organisations. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively with professionals to ensure that support packages are well‑coordinated and that safeguarding responsibilities are met. A thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures, including child protection, is fundamental to the role.

The postholder will need strong knowledge of welfare benefits, housing legislation, and the practical steps involved in supporting women to secure and maintain safe accommodation. They must be able to work confidently within service specifications, quality frameworks, and organisational policies, ensuring accurate record‑keeping, case notes, and monitoring reports. Experience using computer‑based systems to record client information is therefore required.

A commitment to equality, diversity, and the rights of service users is central to the role. The candidate must demonstrate an ability to promote dignity, choice, empowerment, and co‑production in all aspects of their work, in line with The Hestia Approach. They should be able to support women in developing confidence, resilience, and peer networks, and be comfortable facilitating group activities, workshops, and community‑based initiatives.

Please note: This role is open to female applicants only, in accordance with Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010. Fluency in at least one South Asian language is a genuine occupational requirement for this role.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

We are Hestia. We make a difference.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Refuge Worker to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse Service in Tower Hamlets

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

This role involves providing intensive, person-centred support to women in a residential setting. The role includes delivering key sessions, community meetings, and daily contact to assess and monitor individual needs. You will co-produce Support and Safety Plans with residents, focusing on their strengths and goals, and offer advice on safety, domestic abuse, housing, and independent living. Responsibilities also include liaising with statutory bodies on safeguarding matters, supporting move-on accommodation, and promoting empowerment through workshops and social activities. The role follows “The Hestia Approach,” prioritising co-production, recovery, and partnership with service users.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The successful candidate will have substantial experience working directly with individuals who present a wide range of support needs, risks, and aspirations for their future. They will be confident in delivering high‑quality casework, including key working, support planning, and risk assessments, with a strong focus on promoting independence and recovery. A solid understanding of issues affecting women experiencing domestic abuse, as well as knowledge of mental health, substance misuse, and the wider social factors impacting service users, is essential.

The role requires someone who is able to work collaboratively with a variety of external agencies, including Social Services, mental health teams, drug and alcohol services, and other community organisations. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively with professionals to ensure that support packages are well‑coordinated and that safeguarding responsibilities are met. A thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures, including child protection, is fundamental to the role.

The postholder will need strong knowledge of welfare benefits, housing legislation, and the practical steps involved in supporting women to secure and maintain safe accommodation. They must be able to work confidently within service specifications, quality frameworks, and organisational policies, ensuring accurate record‑keeping, case notes, and monitoring reports. Experience using computer‑based systems to record client information is therefore required.

A commitment to equality, diversity, and the rights of service users is central to the role. The candidate must demonstrate an ability to promote dignity, choice, empowerment, and co‑production in all aspects of their work, in line with The Hestia Approach. They should be able to support women in developing confidence, resilience, and peer networks, and be comfortable facilitating group activities, workshops, and community‑based initiatives.

Please note: This role is open to female applicants only, in accordance with Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010. 

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Recovery Worker to play a pivotal role in our Mental Health Crisis Alternative Service in Hounslow.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

We are seeking a dedicated worker to manage a caseload of clients needing early intervention or prevention support with their mental health. The role involves delivering group activities and programmes, co-producing support with service users, and empowering them to engage effectively with professionals and community services. You will help develop peer support networks, monitor wellbeing and safety, and ensure all safeguarding concerns are addressed. The post requires flexibility, teamwork, accurate record-keeping, and timely completion of referrals, assessments, and reviews. You will also support colleagues, contribute to the smooth running of the service, and take part in regular supervision and professional development.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for:

We are seeking someone with proven experience supporting individuals with mental health and/or dual diagnosis, with strong knowledge of mental health conditions, recovery approaches, and relevant legislation. The role requires excellent communication, partnership-building, and case management skills, alongside the ability to work independently, as part of a team, and to support new staff or volunteers. You should have experience in planning and delivering initiatives such as groups, events, or volunteer programmes, as well as strong organisational, IT, and administrative skills. A solid understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment, and local recovery services is essential, along with the confidence to represent the organisation externally and manage work effectively under pressure.

When will I be working?

39 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays. The service is open 365 days a year from 2pm - 10pm

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

An exciting opportunity!

This is a rare and genuinely exciting opportunity to lead the UK's only dedicated charity supporting children, adults and families affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related lysosomal storage disorders. Following the current Chief Executive's planned move to become Managing Director of Rare Disease Research Partners (RDRP) in January 2027, the incoming CEO will take the helm of an organisation with over forty years of history, a trusted national reputation and a growing role on the international rare disease stage. The successful candidate will shape the strategic vision for more than 1,800 families, oversee the close partnership between the Society and its research subsidiary RDRP, and champion the patient and family ethos that sits at the heart of the organisation's work. It is an opportunity to combine ambitious strategic leadership with deeply meaningful, human impact, working alongside a committed Board, Senior Leadership Team and wider community of clinicians, researchers and pharmaceutical partners.

As our next Chief Executive, you will

• Define and deliver the MPS Society’s strategic vision.
• Provide confident oversight of governance, finance, compliance and reporting.
• Effectively manage the operational alignment between the MPS Society and RDRP.
• Always keep the members and family voice at the heart of strategy, service design and decision-making.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with statutory bodies, government agencies, pharmaceutical partners, clinical expert centres and other key stakeholders to support the Society’s objectives, influence policy and practice, and protect its professional reputation.
• Act as a visible and credible public voice to raise awareness, improve visibility, support, treatment access and outcomes for people affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related conditions.
• Collaborate with other rare disease bodies, patient organisations and other key audiences.
• Lead and empower the senior leadership team through effective delegation, early involvement in strategic discussions, clear accountability and support for individuals to flourish.
• Encourage an open, supportive work environment allowing creativity and building staff confidence.
• Help shape the future of the MPS Society.

About you

•  Self-motivated, with the drive to lead the organisation through a period of change and transition.
• Unquestionable probity and personal integrity, given the trust placed in the CEO by families, trustees and partners.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex scientific and clinical information to audiences ranging from clinicians to families with no prior knowledge of MPS disorders.
• Strong self-awareness, with insight into their own leadership style and impact on others.
• Emotional resilience, able to sustain performance while supporting a community facing life limiting conditions.
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style, able to build trust, delegate effectively and help individuals across the organisation flourish.
• Genuine passion for the Society's mission, with a family and member-first ethos.
• Confidence to build relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, from beneficiaries and Trustees to politicians, media and pharmaceutical partners.
• A proactive, positive approach, comfortable reacting to change and organising their own work to meet deadlines.
• Confidence speaking publicly on behalf of the organisation and the people it represents.

Why join us?

A close-knit, values-led culture. With just over thirty staff across the Society and RDRP combined, this is a place where the CEO can know the team personally, work closely with families day-to-day, and see the direct results of decisions rather than managing at a distance through layers of bureaucracy.

• Genuine autonomy to shape direction. The Board is explicitly looking to the new CEO to bring fresh thinking on technology, AI, and digital tools, and to give real freedom to modernise fundraising, services, and engagement rather than simply maintaining what already exists.
• A stable foundation to build from over forty years of track record, trusted relationships and a strong national reputation mean the incoming CEO can focus energy on vision and growth rather than firefighting or rebuilding credibility from scratch.
• Proximity to cutting-edge science: the Society's close relationship with RDRP gives the CEO regular exposure to advances in rare disease research and treatment access, while day-to-day research leadership sits with the RDRP Managing Director, allowing the CEO to focus on strategy, people and sustainability.
• A high-visibility, high-influence platform. Regular contact with government, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and international rare disease bodies offers strong opportunities to build a public profile and personal network well beyond the charity sector.
• A team that already shares the mission. Staff are described as passionate about the Society's aims, and as having a family-first ethos, so the new CEO inherits a culture to lead and empower rather than one that needs to be built from the ground up.
• Work with a different kind of return. Beyond salary and career progression, this role offers the less tangible reward of knowing that strategic and financial decisions translate, into better support for families facing some of the rarest conditions in the country.

Benefits

Join us and you will be working for a caring charity offering:

• A competitive salary
• Generous annual leave
• Extra leave between Christmas and the New Year
• Contributory pension
• Life assurance (subject to the conditions of the scheme)
• Employee assistance programme offering support 24/7

Further information

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the UK.

The main duties, responsibilities and requirements of this role can be viewed in the job description on our website.

Salary to be agreed depending on experience and will be pro-rata for part time hours.

This is an essential car user post. The applicant must hold a current UK driver’s licence, with no more than 6 points, have access to a car and be able and willing to drive UK wide as required.

This senior role requires flexibility in working hours and location.  It is primarily offered on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in our Amersham, Buckinghamshire, office each week. As part of the role, UK and overseas travel is necessary, which may on occasion include early morning and/or evening working and sometimes overnight stays. We have policies in place to ensure that any unsociable hours worked over the weekend are fairly compensated through TOIL.

This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS) details of which can be found in the job description.

For an informal discussion about the role or the work of the MPS Society, please contact Dr Fiona Stewart.  Contact details can be found on the full job description. Kindly note, meetings with other relevant people will be available to shortlisted candidates at interview stage.  

The Organisation

We are working with a well-established UK not-for-profit organisation with annual income of approximately £150 million. Operating at significant scale and complexity, the organisation manages a diverse range of income streams including donations, legacies, grant and contract funding, trading activity and investment income. The finance function plays a key role in supporting strong governance, compliance and decision-making across the organisation.

The Job

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced tax professional to take ownership of all tax matters within a large and complex organisation. Working closely with senior finance colleagues and external advisers, you will act as the organisation's lead technical expert on VAT, Corporation Tax and Gift Aid, ensuring robust compliance, governance and risk management. You will provide practical advice to senior stakeholders, helping the organisation understand and navigate the tax implications of operational and strategic decisions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading on VAT, Corporation Tax and Gift Aid compliance and advisory matters
• Preparing and reviewing VAT returns, including partial exemption calculations and annual adjustments
• Managing Corporation Tax compliance and reporting
• Developing and maintaining tax governance frameworks, controls and processes
• Identifying and mitigating tax risks across the organisation
• Providing technical guidance to finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Building effective relationships with external advisers, auditors and internal teams
• Driving continuous improvement across tax processes, controls and reporting systems

Location:

Remote working, with occasional office attendance in London (typically once per quarter)

Hours: 28 hours per week (will consider full-time hours for the right person. Would likely need to contribute towards other areas of finance)

Salary: £60,000 - £66,000 per annum, pro rata

The Person

We are seeking a qualified accountant or tax professional with strong technical expertise and experience operating within a large, complex organisation.
You will be able to demonstrate:

• Qualified Accountant or Tax professional
• Strong knowledge of UK VAT, Corporation Tax and Gift Aid legislation
• Experience managing complex VAT environments, including partial exemption
• A track record of delivering accurate and timely tax compliance activities
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• The ability to translate technical tax matters into practical business guidance
• Experience working collaboratively across finance, systems, planning and operational teams
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and risk management

Experience gained within the charity, not-for-profit, membership body or broader complex organisation environment would be advantageous.

What's in It for You?

• Remote working arrangement
• Salary of £60,000 - £66,000 per annum, pro rata
• Double-matched pension contributions up to 8%
• 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, pro rata
• The opportunity to be the lead tax specialist within a sizeable, nationally recognised organisation
• Exposure to a broad range of complex tax matters and senior stakeholders
• A supportive and collaborative finance team environment

How to Apply

If you are an experienced tax professional looking for a flexible role where you can make a significant impact, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience, including VAT, Corporation Tax and Gift Aid/partial exemption compliance and advisory work. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

The Organisation

We are working with a well-established UK not-for-profit organisation with annual income of approximately £150 million. Operating at significant scale and complexity, the organisation manages a diverse range of income streams including donations, legacies, grant and contract funding, trading activity and investment income. The finance function plays a key role in supporting strong governance, compliance and decision-making across the organisation.

The Job

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced tax professional to take ownership of all tax matters within a large and complex organisation. Working closely with senior finance colleagues and external advisers, you will act as the organisation's lead technical expert on VAT, Corporation Tax and Gift Aid, ensuring robust compliance, governance and risk management. You will provide practical advice to senior stakeholders, helping the organisation understand and navigate the tax implications of operational and strategic decisions.
Key responsibilities include:

• Leading on VAT, Corporation Tax and Gift Aid compliance and advisory matters
• Preparing and reviewing VAT returns, including partial exemption calculations and annual adjustments
• Managing Corporation Tax compliance and reporting
• Developing and maintaining tax governance frameworks, controls and processes
• Identifying and mitigating tax risks across the organisation
• Providing technical guidance to finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Building effective relationships with external advisers, auditors and internal teams
• Driving continuous improvement across tax processes, controls and reporting systems

Location: Remote working, with occasional office attendance in London (typically once per quarter)

Hours: 28 hours per week (may consider full-time hours for the right person)

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum, pro rata (28 hours)

The Person

We are seeking a qualified accountant or tax professional with strong technical expertise and experience operating within a large, complex organisation.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• CCAB qualification or equivalent relevant professional qualification
• Strong knowledge of UK VAT, Corporation Tax and Gift Aid legislation
• Experience managing complex VAT environments, including partial exemption
• A track record of delivering accurate and timely tax compliance activities
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• The ability to translate technical tax matters into practical business guidance
• Experience working collaboratively across finance, systems, planning and operational teams
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and risk management

Experience gained within the charity, not-for-profit, membership body or broader complex organisation environment would be advantageous.

What's in It for You?

• Remote working arrangement
• Double-matched pension contributions up to 8%
• 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, pro rata
• The opportunity to be the lead tax specialist within a sizeable, nationally recognised organisation
• Exposure to a broad range of complex tax matters and senior stakeholders
• A supportive and collaborative finance team environment

How to Apply

If you are an experienced tax professional looking for a flexible role where you can make a significant impact, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience including VAT, Corporation Tax and Gift Aid/partial exemption compliance and advisory work. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

As part of the leadership team, you'll hold ultimate responsibility across our democratic lottery delivery teams, develop partnerships, and help shape where we go next as an organisation. You'll grow our opportunities through a considered and systematic approach to business development - new applications, bids and partnerships - and the revenue that comes with them, with support from the team.

This is a role for someone who's genuinely committed to democratic renewal, and good at bringing people together across different contexts and cultures.

Key Responsibilities

1. Driving the organisation forward
   1. Working alongside the other directors to shape the organisation's strategy
   2. Imagining and developing new applications/markets for sortition and deliberation; translating ideas into concrete opportunities, bids, contracts, and revenue
   3. Spotting and pursuing new opportunities (bids including fundraising, partnerships, earned revenue) particularly at an international level, with the support of the team
   4. Leading the growth, sustainability and adoption of OpenDLP, our open-source democratic lottery software on a global scale (including but not limited to, building strategic partnerships, developing sustainable revenue models, and promoting adoption amongst users)
2. Connecting the global sector
   1. Maintaining and developing relationships with key global partners, funders, and stakeholders
   2. Keeping up with what's happening in the deliberative democracy world and bringing relevant
      opportunities back to the team
   3. Sharing best practice across teams and helping raise standards across the sector
3. Leading the team
   1. Strategic oversight of Democratic Lottery teams
   2. Line managing Heads of teams, one of whom is based in Australia which will require some flexibility in hours, and a few more team members
   3. Coordinating and facilitating budget proposals from the Democratic Lottery teams, making sure resources are allocated fairly and teams have what they need
   4. Contributing to a Working Group (to be decided)

Please see the recruitment pack for more details.