Trustee Jobs in East Of England

Together we make a difference, develop and learn, and support each other. Every day with us is different, but our mission remains the same: helping the people we support celebrate along the road to a brighter future. 

Hours: 37.5 per week

Salary: £39,327 rising to £42,426 per annum with biennial increments

Location: Remote working with travel to Together Trust locations in Greater Manchester and surrounding area and attending some meetings throughout England where necessary.

Leading on Policy and Campaign development of the charity’s policy, your role will be to put forward evidence-based policy recommendations and campaigns and working with the people we support to influence change ensuring that the voice of the people we support is heard and acted on by key decision makers. 

Acting as the spokesperson for the Together Trust and the people it supports on policy issues you will be responsible for the following:

• Managing and developing the Together Trust’s policy and campaigns strategy in line with the Trust’s strategic long-term plan.
• Leading on the development of policy priorities with staff and the people we support. Working with them to develop a Theory of Change for the Together Trust. Working directly with the Trust Directors, Trustees and external agencies.
• Representing the Together Trust at meetings with MPs, Councillors, parliamentary groups, select committees to help drive forward Together Trust’s policy and campaigns work.
• Improving the Together Trust’s visibility in UK Parliament by attending sessions, submitting evidence and nurturing networks.
• Reporting on policy, campaigns and participation activities to the Supporting People sub-group, providing updates on activity and progress against key milestones.
• This role has line management responsibilities.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• An undergraduate degree qualification (Level 6 or equivalent), preferably in a relevant discipline with a good understanding of the UK political environment, local and national government structures and decision-making.
• Line management experience supporting team members to achieve their KPIs.
• Experience of using different campaign tactics including recruitment actions and support journeys.
• Experience of speaking at events or representing an organisation in a professional setting.

Benefits
 

• Annual Leave 27 day holiday plus 8 days bank holidays rising to 30 after 5 years, 33 days after 10 years
• Generous pension scheme and death in service benefit , up to 7% company pension contributions and up to 6 x basis salary death in service 
• Occupational sick pay and family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
• Reward and Discount platform offering discounts at high street shops, travel, insurances etc.
• Eligibility to apply for Blue Light card
• Proud to be a real living wage employer
• Refer a friend scheme, be rewarded for recommending a friend to work with us
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including apprenticeship qualifications
• Long service awards including cash gifts and extra holiday.
• Promotion of Wellbeing across the organisation including Mental Health First Aiders offering wellbeing support from trained colleague and free weekly yoga session  in person or online
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for you and adults at your home

Alongside an incredible team of like-minded peers, you’ll be working behind-the-scenes to support our staff, volunteers, families, and supporters. You will be helping our work happen across the charity; enabling us to care for and champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support.

If you are interested in this position and want to help the Together Trust make a change please take a look at our full job description and apply for this rewarding role.

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th September 2024.

This advertisement may be withdrawn if we identify suitable candidates before the closing date; early applications are encouraged.

We welcome applications from individuals who have the right to work in the UK. At this time, we are not providing sponsorship for overseas staff.

Download Job Pack for full role description 

Who they’re looking for

Our client is seeking a treasurer to join them as a Trustee who is passionate about their vision, mission and values, to support the Board and team in achieving their charitable aims.

They are looking for an experienced treasurer to support the Board, CEO and Finance Director in the successful delivery of the charity’s financial responsibilities. This includes provision of advice, guidance, challenge and reassurance on all aspects of the charity’s financial activities, ensuring that their strategic plans are underpinned by robust and fit for purpose financial management. They are hoping to find someone who can also contribute to the overall strategic direction of the charity and who is also willing to be a voice and challenge on other issues/decisions taken by the charity whether about (e.g.) risk, scientific approach, grant giving, or fundraising etc. You should have a strong interest in the mission of our client and be willing to advocate on the charity’s behalf.

Previous experience of being a Trustee is not necessary as a full induction and ongoing support will be provided.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

They want everyone they work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone they support, to feel included and that they belong at the organisation. They are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities they serve and ensuring inclusion in everything they do. They will support you to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best.

Board meetings and time commitment

The The Board ordinarily meets four times per year in March, May, August and November. Two of these meetings are held remotely via video call on a Saturday, and two are held in person in London across weekends. In addition, Trustees are encouraged to join a Committee relevant to their area of expertise which meets at least once per quarter via video call. An appropriate time commitment will be required over the course of the year for preparative work between meetings. Trustees are also invited to attend occasional charity events and join recruitment panels on an ad hoc basis.

Following a probationary period where Trustee-elects attend at least 2 board meetings, appointed Trustees serve a three-year term, with the option to renew for a further three years. Trusteeship is an unremunerated position, though reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be paid.

If this opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity appeals to you, and you have enthusiasm and a commitment to their vision of a world where animal-free, human-specific technologies secure breakthroughs for patients then they’d like to hear from you.

They reserve the right to close this vacancy early if they receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

REF-216 777

Please download Job Pack for full role description
 
Who they’re looking for

Our client is seeking a new Trustee with a public affairs background who is passionate about their vision, mission and values, to support the board and team in achieving their charitable aims.

They are looking for an individual with a strong background in the field of public affairs. This could have been gained through a position as an MP, through another role in Parliament or engaging with policymakers on behalf of the public, private or charity sector. Applicants should also have a strong interest in animal welfare and science, and be willing to advocate on the charity’s behalf.

Previous experience of being a Trustee is not necessary as a full induction and ongoing support will be provided.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

They want everyone they work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone they support, to feel included and that they belong at the organisation. They are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities they serve and ensuring inclusion in everything they do. They will support you to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best.

Board meetings and time commitment

The Board ordinarily meets four times per year in March, May, August and November. Two of these meetings are held remotely via video call on a Saturday, and two are held in person in London across weekends. In addition, Trustees are encouraged to join a Committee relevant to their area of expertise which meets at least once per quarter via video call. An appropriate time commitment will be required over the course of the year for preparative work between meetings. Trustees are also invited to attend occasional charity events and join recruitment panels on an ad hoc basis.

Following a probationary period where Trustee-elects attend at least 3 board meetings, appointed Trustees serve a three-year term, with the option to renew for a further three years.

This is a relatively new Trustee role for the charity, therefore you will be expected to play a key role in shaping strategy and sharing knowledge and expertise with other Trustees. Trusteeship is an unremunerated position, though reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be paid.

If this opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity appeals to you, and you have public affairs expertise, enthusiasm and a commitment to their vision of a world where animal-free, human-specific technologies secure breakthroughs for patients then they’d like to hear from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

REF-216 751

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising and Events Officer. In this role you will be responsible for driving, creating and implementing our short and long-term fundraising and events strategy. The role will involve a close working relationship with our Operations Officer and our Board of Trustees. This is an exciting role working with a motivated and committed Trustee team, and a wonderful opportunity to make a big difference to our beneficiairies. 

We are seeking an entusiastic and caring Operations Officer who will be responsible for the day-to-day operational activitites of the organisation focused on patient support and project delivery. The role will involve a close working relationship with our Fundraising and Events Officer, and our Board of Trustees, and will be a pivotal role within our small but mighty organisation. This is an exciting role working directly with multiple stakeholders including our beneficiaries, NHS and scientific collaborators and funders to deliver our values and benefit. You will be a driving force for the organisations mission and making a big difference!

PLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE IS HOME BASED BUT REQUIRES THE POST HOLDER TO ATTEND REGULAR MEETINGS AND EVENTS IN PERSON, IN LONDON. 

The role will involve developing and nurturing relationships with those who own, manage, design or have an interest in green infrastructure by proactively facilitating our networks and supporter activities to engender more effective and collaborative working, knowledge sharing, and connection.

This is a great role for someone who is excited by working with senior stakeholders across London who play an active role in maintaining and enhancing London’s green spaces.

The successful candidate will be a confident ambassador for the charity, and capable of building long term partnerships. The post holder will need to use their initiative, creativity and proven partnership building skills to enable the charity to expand and maximise the impact of its existing networks, support internal and external development, and plan and coordinate supporter-focused activities.

As part of a small charity, the successful candidate will need to be a team player, ready and willing to respond and adapt to opportunities and challenges, working closely with the rest of the Parks for London team and trustees.

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver and enhance our network and engagement programme to support green space owners and managers
• Support and coordinate the administration and delivery of a range of virtual and in-person network meetings and events
• Identify and develop relationships with potential new supporters 
• Support the identification, and engagement of new audiences who could benefit from our work
• Identify and develop relationships with potential collaborators with whom we can work in partnership with, to maximise our capacity and expand our reach
• Support the sustainability of the charity by driving and maximising existing income streams as well as identifying and delivering new opportunities for income generation
• Represent Parks for London at events and wider engagement opportunities, and promote the interests of the charity, our services, and our supporters
• Keep abreast of local, regional, national and international funding opportunities to identify opportunities for both the charity and those in our networks
• Contribute to the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of Parks for London and our services
• Play an active role in strategic reviews, business planning, and contribute to the wider thinking and planning of the charity
• Carry out other duties and activities as agreed with the Executive Director

Applicants should be based in or near London to attend regular meetings and events commensurate with the role.

We thank all applicants for applying and their interest in the role. Those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted by the week closing 11th October, if you do not hear from us by then please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Details about how to apply can be found on our website, please use the link provided.

We are looking to appoint an inspiring, motivated and resourceful leader to spearhead the work of Linking Lives UK as we continue to develop our crucial role in addressing loneliness and social isolation among older people across the UK. This exciting position comes at a key stage in our development as a charity as we develop new initiatives and consider future strategy and direction.

We are particularly looking for someone who has experience of:

• Strategic planning, operational management and delivering against organisational objectives
• Leadership of a national charity/ organisation and effective liaison with operational teams and trustee boards
• Delivering motivational presentations and written articles inspiring engagement with the work of the charity
• Operating within Christian faith organisations and their structures
• Building effective partnerships with key organisations whilst identifying areas of mutual benefit

Mission24 is a dynamic Christian charity committed to spreading the gospel and supporting vulnerable communities through evangelism, discipleship, and humanitarian work. We are passionate about bringing hope and transformation through the power of Christ to individuals and communities worldwide. Our work is rooted in the belief that the gospel has the power to change lives, and we aim to see that message spread as widely as possible.

We are seeking a highly motivated and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Mission24 through its next phase of growth and development. The CEO will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity, overseeing the operational, financial, and strategic aspects of the organisation, and ensuring the charity's continued impact in line with its Christian values and mission. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will provide strong leadership to the staff and volunteers, build partnerships, and represent Mission24 to a wide range of stakeholders.

Could you help PRDA to reach and engage with health professionals so they are supported to improve services for people affected by Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD)?

The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association

PRD is a long-term side effect of pelvic radiotherapy for cancer and can cause multiple mental and physical problems that severely affect people’s quality of life. In this role you will help make a difference to people’s lives, as encompassed in the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association’s vision: A future where life after pelvic radiotherapy is more than just surviving but being able to truly live.

Health Professional Engagement Officer Role

We are looking for an experienced project officer who is a self-starter and thrives on challenges. You will work closely with the small PRDA admin team, a number of the trustees and a wide range of external stakeholders. You will have a passion for improving the lives of people affected by cancer, and will be keen to learn about the personal impact of PRD and how it can be treated. You will have energy, enthusiasm and creativity to go the extra mile to make your mark in this brand new role. You will have a proven track record of accurate administration, managing successful projects and working with health professionals, and be good at organising events and problem-solving. Previous experience of working in a health charity would be beneficial.

Key responsibilities:

• Build and support a Community of Practice for professionals and researchers who work on PRD, including organising face-to-face and online events.
• Support the work to develop and promote resources that enable better diagnosis, treatment and care of people with PRD (key resource is the PRD Best Practice Pathway).
• Support trustees to connect with professional organisations.
• Gather and disseminate information about services for people with PRD.
• Gather and disseminate news about education, training and research on PRD.

Finance and Resources Manager (Full Time)

Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) was founded by Frank Mullane in memory of his sister Julia Pemberton and her son Will who were both killed by her ex-partner in 2003.  

Each year, around 150 families lose a loved one to domestic homicide. The actual number of suicides as a result of domestic abuse remains unknown. AAFDA’s prime function is to provide families in England and Wales with specialist peer support and expert and specialist advocacy for the range of statutory reviews that will take place after domestic homicide.

As a growing charity, AAFDA is looking for an exceptional candidate to join our supportive team and lead our finance and resource management functions. The role will provide and manage the HR, administration and finance activities of the charity and sit within the Senior Leadership Team.

This role is offered on a full-time basis (subject to funding). Although home based, occasional travel will be required. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage applications from those with Black and/or Minoritised backgrounds. 

In return for joining us, we will offer you:  

A salary of £32,000 - £34,000 

Hours - 40 Hours per week

Additional salary enhancements after 1 year, 3 years and 6 years of service (in addition to any cost of living increases agreed by the Board of Trustees)

• 25 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays 

• Development and training opportunities 

• Pension scheme 

• Employee Assistance scheme. Death in Service benefit and Health care scheme.

Closing date: 6th October 2024

Interviews expected to be held: 21 and 22 October 2024 

Applicants will be shortlisted according to how well they meet the person specification.  Please highlight and explain how you meet this specification in your supporting statement. If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants. Please note that we will not be able to progress applications where the supporting statement does not address the criteria for the role being applied for.

Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation is a leading local grantmaker, striving to be a catalyst for positive change in the community and committed to addressing inequality. The Foundation distributes millions of pounds locally each year and is establishing a national reputation for an innovative, community-focused, and strategic approach.

We are seeking a driven and dynamic Marketing & Communications Administrator to join our expanding team to help support the operational delivery of Foundations work and to raise our profile, grow our business and share our successes.

Applicants must have relevant experience in marketing, communications, and general administration at trustee or senior level. They should be excellent communicators, highly organised, and task-focused, with strong written skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of people. Excellent IT skills are also essential.

The job will be a combination of homeworking and office based and flexible working can be considered. We are particularly keen to welcome applications from diverse communities and the communities with lived experience of inequality and those we aim to support through our work.

Responsibilities

Raising the profile of the Foundation by implementing an imaginative and inspiring programme in Marketing and Communications under the direction of the Head of Business Development.

Work with Head of Grants and Programmes to plan and timetable promotion of new grants programmes and regular promotion of ongoing programmes. Working at times with external marketing and comms teams to agree key messaging.

Compile and share a range of inspiring donor, charity and community stories and case studies which bring to life the Foundation’s impact.

Support, maintain and update the Foundation’s website, ensuring that it is inspiring, engaging and up to date with content. Help set up and access additional platforms as required e.g. online donations, raffles, other Trusts who are contracted to the Foundation.

Develop the Foundation’s wider digital presence through social media and use of content marketing to raise awareness of the Foundation’s expertise, share good news stories and promote available funding e.g. through regular charity and business newsletters.

Under the guidance and leadership of the Head of BD and CEO provide specific public relations support, including preparing press releases and producing articles for local magazines and relevant publications.

Maintain a library of relevant and up to date marketing materials, photographs illustrating the Foundation’s work and partnership logos and guidance for use. Manage permissions and GDPR for all communications work and marketing collateral.

Attend UK Community Foundations (UKCF) Marcomms meetings.

Work with the CEO to prepare and manage quarterly Board meetings for Foundation and as required other partners (incl JCT) at an executive admin level.

Preparing for meetings: prep of papers, managing dates and availability; minute taking and general administration for Board level members under clear and strict requirements around confidentiality.

Regular updating of requirements of Board incl: EDI data and references; annual Conflict of Interest; DBS and other requirements.

Supporting Chair of Trustee in their role as required and in an administrative support.

Support general office administration such as maintenance of equipment inventories and training records and PAT testing schedules and others task to ensure smooth running of the main office.

Organize events to showcase the Foundation’s work, including functions for donors, potential donors, community and voluntary groups.

Support the Head of Business development to identified campaigns and additional programmes to grow the Foundations reach. Work with Head of BD to write creative briefs and to shape to recruit additional capacity as required.

Work as an effective Ambassador for the Foundation always, including at events and external networking.

Represent the Foundation on agreed marketing and Comms networks incl UKCF and others to be agreed.

Work closely with other members of the team to ensure that the Foundation achieves excellence in grant-making and all its operational aspects.

Represent the Foundation externally as required.

Use computer equipment and software for administrative and communication duties including Canva, new website CMS, Microsoft Office, online communications, and the Salesforce Database.

Carry out other associated duties, which may arise, develop, or be assigned, in line with the scale and general nature of the post.

Apply

Application is by CV and covering letter only outlining in detail why you wish to join us and how your skills and experience are aligned to the person specification in the job description.

Closing date for applications is 12pm 30th September.

Interviews will take on the week of 14th October.

As a charity we aim to follow the principles and practices associated with coproduction where all stakeholders are engaged in the designing, fundraising, delivering, monitoring, evaluating, and learning. In this way we are all accountable.

We are looking for a motivated, dynamic, passionate and experieinced person to join our team and take their seat at this table and take ownership of the fundraising function targeting the £10,000 plus market and by so doing, enable amazing change to happen. 

Job Profile

Role Name: Trusts and Foundation Officer

Reports To: Managing Director, Livingstone Tanzania Trust

Hours 16 hours per week

Salary c£14,500 per annum (Full time  c £34,000  per annum for 37.5 hrs per week)

Preferred Start date          13th January 2025

Location: Working from home, with occasional attendance in person

Summary

Livingstone Tanzania Trust (LTT) was set up in 2007. Our vision is to live in a world where every young person has access to a quality education.  Our mission is to work in partnership with communities in Tanzania to address the barriers that prevent young people from accessing the quality education they need to reach their full educational potential. To achieve this, we focus on infrastructure and resource programmes, developing teachers’ competencies and addressing issues surrounding household poverty.

As a charity we aim to follow the principles and practices associated with coproduction where all stakeholders are engaged in the designing, fundraising, delivering, monitoring, evaluating, and learning. In this way we are all accountable.

In addition, as a charity, we aim to support our partners in Tanzania to reduce their dependence on us, which we achieve by building their skills to stand on their own feet. This requires us to share our knowledge and provide mentoring services as our partners grow

Working with a team of three LTT employees, as well as Trustees and supporters the key objectives of the Partnerships team is to:

1. Support our ambitious vision: a quality, inclusive education for every child in Tanzania.
2. Plan; manage; deliver; monitor and maintain oversight of LTT’s Trust and Foundation fundraising portfolio, activities and opportunities. Target is to raise in excess of £300,000 per annum from UK and International Trusts, Foundations, other Institutional Donors and individuals in 2025-6 and increase by £40,000 a year thereafter. 

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

This position will focus on sourcing and developing potential national and international funders who provide single and multi-year grants in excess of £10,000 including those who do not accept unsolicited grants.

Duties include:

• Develop and manage opportunity pipelines of prospective funders, planning introductions.
• Write compelling, concise, well-presented, tailored approaches and grant applications in Word and Canva.
• Liaise with the Operations team, to gather the relevant information for grant applications (e.g. data, case studies, imagery etc).
• Ensure systems are kept up to date with all details of grant application documents, progress and outcomes and any other interactions with funders.
• Work with partners in Tanzania to offer them support and guidance 
• Draft programme reports for projects for which you have raised funds.
• Contribute with other team members to the organisational budgeting process, by producing a detailed breakdown of opportunities and likelihood of success.
• Contribute to production of key external documents which may impact Trust and Foundation fundraising e.g. Annual Report & Accounts, Impact Report.
• Attend team meetings at least twice a year
• Attend relevant third-party events/training as required.
• Attend and assist with some LTT fundraising events.
• Other related duties as required.

Key Requirements

• Knowledgeable and passionate about International Development/Education
• Understanding and respectful of cultural differences.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a grant fundraising role, with a successful track record of regularly securing 4 and 5 figure grants.
• Knowledge of funding databases and other sources of potential funders.
• Ability to absorb, collate and organise large amounts of information from different sources/channels.
• Ability to select and distil programme information to develop a core message for target funders, aligned to their specific interests.
• Persuasive writing skills – weaving powerful stories with clear evidence of programme impacts.
• Strong IT literacy and adept in making funding applications online.
• Experience of developing fundraising budgets.
• Excellent organisational/planning skills.
• Networking skills.
• Willingness for occasional travel for meetings and events.

Help us make churches more Single Friendly

Single Friendly Church Network encourages churches to welcome and value single people at every stage of life. We are experiencing an exciting new chapter where our work and influence is growing across a wide range of denominations. We want to reach more churches across the UK who could benefit from our resources and training, with the vision that all single Christians will be able to find a welcoming Single Friendly Church in their local area where they can flourish.

We achieved charitable status in 2023 and have a newly refined purpose and identity set out in a new website and other digital media (see for example our YouTube Channel and the promotional film ‘Inspiring Change’).

We now aim to expand our impact across the UK and deepen our engagement with churches from a wide range of Christian denominations, in accordance with our strategy.
 

Fundraising Consultancy Role

In order to achieve our objectives, we are seeking a Fundraising Consultant to develop and implement a strategy to:

• Diversify our funding base and raise new grants and donations to support our work;
• Raise specific funding to develop a small team of Regional Champions in the regions of the UK, working part-time to grow our network of Single Friendly Churches;
• Secure grant support to refresh our research in order to identify the issues facing single people in the Church and how ‘single friendly’ churches are across the UK.

The Fundraising Consultant will regularly engage with our UK based team and provide quarterly reports to our Trustees. Ideally the Consultant will have the necessary skills to process Gift Aid claims.

The target for funds raised within 12 months is £100K. This will require creativity and a range of initiatives, targeting different potential funding sources.
 

Person Spec:

• Experience of developing and implementing fundraising strategies for charities;
• Able to provide evidence of significant success in fundraising;
• Record of working collaboratively with teams;
• An understanding of Christian culture and the different Christian traditions;
• Experience of fundraising for Christian-based charities;
• A strong commitment to our beliefs and mission to encourage churches to welcome and value single people at every stage of life.

Contract Terms

Initially this is a 12 month contract

At least 20 hours per month on a freelance basis
Negotiable fees according to experience, in the range £40-£70 per hr

Application procedure

Please provide a current CV and covering letter (up to two pages). Please include evidence of success in fundraising, which can be verified with references.

We will also consider applications from small Fundraising Enterprises.

Unfortunately, we are unable to support general enquiries prior to application. Only shortlisted applications will be acknowledged.

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Thursday 10th October 2024.

Start date:  As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary:  £25,496 - £27,845 per annum, pro rata. 

Contract: This is a 9 month maternity cover contract, with strong possibility of extension to 12 months. 

Hours: 21 hours per week.

Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working if a suitable environment is available.  Some travel to other locations in Essex may be required, particularly during the induction period.

Holiday: 25 days per year, pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification. Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications.

Application deadline:  9am, Tuesday 24th September 2024. 

Interviews:  Tuesday 1st October 2024.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1

Job Description

The First Contact Navigators play a central role in the CARA team, ensuring that our service users and other agencies receive a high-quality service from the moment of first contact. You will work as part of a wider team of First Contact Navigators across Essex and the post liaises with clients, the CARA team and external agencies, providing advice, support and information. 

The First Contact Navigator will engage with individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, sexual violence and or sexual abuse who require information, signposting and short-term support.  You will be the first contact and conduct first meetings, managing your own caseload and co-ordinating personalised support for individuals on their pathway to wellbeing. You will have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision. You will support people who use CARA services to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources. You will work collaboratively with service users, the CARA team and other professional agencies to navigate and coordinate services.

The main responsibilities of the post are:

• To act as a first point of contact for new referrals and enquiries, providing information, emotional support, advice and signposting.

• To complete first contact calls and assessments with clients over the telephone. 

• To ensure information about new referrals/enquiries is accurately recorded on CARA’s database in real time.

• To work collaboratively and build trust with service users, agencies, personal and professional support networks to collate relevant information to effect individualised support requirements.

• To assess and engage service users not currently engaged in appropriate specialist sexual violence services.

• To seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources.

• To assist survivors and relatives/supporters of survivors in understanding the range of resources and services available to them.

• To support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs and aspirations.

• To work as a link between clients, CARA staff and external agencies, ensuring appropriate information is passed on. 

• To work closely with the Essex-wide team of First Contact Navigators and Information and Referral Coordinators to ensure effective referral processes across Essex.

• To act as a point of contact for external agencies making referrals to CARA, answering queries about our referral process.

• To cover the enquiry line and the office phone and deal with enquiries as required. 

• To pro-actively promote CARA’s services to external agencies, ensuring they are aware of our referral procedures.

• To contribute to development of promotional information, to ensure information about the referral process is clear and accessible.

• To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.

• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.

• To report to the Service Development Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports. 

• To be administratively self-servicing.

• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Head of Operations, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

• To take on new client, office and administration responsibilities as CARA develops.

About CARA 

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here.   We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership.   We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.