Universal support best practice lead jobs

This is an exciting role leading our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development and implementation of a UK-wide cross-government child poverty strategy means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.

We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will have experience of managing a small team and working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions with colleagues across the organisation, as well as externally.

The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, gathering and sharing analysis and expertise with the DWP as part of their review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of forthcoming changes to disability benefits.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

We welcome applications on a secondment basis.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Policy job pack.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please contact us.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 4th January 2026 (midnight)

Interviews will take place: Tuesday 13th January 2026

About Edward’s Trust

Edward’s Trust is a local West Midlands charity providing support for bereaved children, young people, and parents. We have 36 years of experience and operate at the highest level, providing qualified counselling and holistic support for complex or prolonged grief. We do not set time limits and the service is completely free. We do not get Government funding; therefore, we rely on donations to keep this vital service going.

Our Values

RESPECT

We will act with integrity in all that we do, being mindful and considerate to all. We respect and remember those who have died. Respect is a constant that embraces diversity and uniqueness of experience.

HOPE

A feeling of trust in tomorrow. We embody, instill and empower a feeling of trust in tomorrow. Hope is the hand to hold. We have a vision that one day there will be a universal understanding of life-changing grief.

HOLISTIC

Complete and all encompassing. We acknowledge and respond to the needs of the whole person: mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We recognise the total experience of grief, promoting a holistic approach to bereavement care.

SUPPORT

Enabling with compassion and care. We provide responsive support that is appropriate, relevant and meaningful to each individual. Together in safety and strength. Encouraging society to respond appropriately to people facing loss and surviving bereavement

EXCELLENCE

Embracing professional integrity and creative innovation. We are passionate about providing exceptional services and maintaining the highest standards in all that we do. Excellence is valuing people. We are committed to driving innovation and change.

Role summary

If you’re ready for your next fundraising role, taking a step up and pushing yourself whilst working in a small but mighty team, this role really is for you.  This role is a critical part of the fundraising puzzle to deliver the Edward’s Trust fundraising growth plan for 2026 and increase income and services in the local West Midlands area.  This role allows you to apply your fundraising skill and knowledge and have a real and measurable impact." This Senior Fundraiser will report to the Interim Head of Fundraising, with a plan to lead the team from June 2026 with a comprehensive handover.

This role will deputise for the interim Head of Fundraising when required and has huge potential for professional growth.  This role will be an exciting opportunity to work with the leadership team to develop and implement the Edward’s Trust income generation strategy, and we are particularly interested in candidates that have grown corporate income. You will be individually responsible for Corporate, Legacy, and Regular Giving fundraising.

Working with interim Head of Fundraising, you will enhance the donor experience, ensure relationships are strong and that excellent personalised communication systems are in place and that we are truly audience led. You will be required to support other members of the Fundraising Team on fundraising activities where extra resources or senior representation may be required.

You will be responsible and accountable for ensuring the database (Donorflex) is maintained by the Fundraising Team alongside the Head of Fundraising.

You will be responsible for supporting the Head of Fundraising in reviewing systems and processes and ensuring that the Fundraising Team is working efficiently and in accordance with regulatory and legal requirements and best practice. 

The role will involve managing and tracking the Fundraising Team budget through direct line management when appropriate and you will be required to create monthly reports and updates as well as Trustee Reports, and, when needed, to reforecast income/expenditure, liaising with the senior leadership team.

We are open to flexible/hybrid working requests which can be discussed at interviews. 

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy Manager) to lead our fundraising efforts and drive sustainable income growth. This is a pivotal role identified by our Board of Trustees as critical to the future of Life Charity. You will shape and deliver our fundraising strategy, lead a talented team, and cultivate relationships with major donors and supporters.

Reporting to the Director of Income Generation & Housing, you will:

• Take strategic ownership of Life’s fundraising strategy and ensure its successful delivery.
• Lead and inspire the fundraising team, embedding a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Manage and grow relationships with major donors, creating inspiring supporter journeys that encourage long-term engagement.
• Oversee budgets, systems, and processes to ensure efficiency and compliance with fundraising regulations.
• Work closely with marketing and service teams to develop compelling cases for support and impactful campaigns.

About You:

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced: Proven track record in fundraising leadership, major donor cultivation, and strategic income growth.
• Innovative: Skilled in developing creative proposals and pitches that win hearts and minds.
• Collaborative: Able to work across teams and build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Values-driven: Committed to Life’s mission and able to champion our ethos in all fundraising activities.

Essential skills and experience include:

• Leadership of fundraising teams and strategy development.
• Expertise in major donor fundraising and supporter stewardship.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of compliance with fundraising codes and GDPR.

About Life:

Life is a UK charity for vulnerable women and families facing unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy loss. Life’s aim is to provide housing, care and support to vulnerable pregnant women (typically aged 16-25) who are in crisis situations, such as those facing homelessness (or at risk of), escaping abuse or other traumatic circumstances. We offer supported housing, a helpline and counselling service, and other practical and emotional support. Our services are inclusive; non-judgemental; and client-centred.

Our Values:

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:

• Humanity – All people are special and equal.
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you.
• Community – We’re better together.
• Charity – Doing good for one another.
• Common good – Building a better world.

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the job description on our website. 

Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Home-Based with frequent travel to supporter locations and occasional travel to Head Office (Leamington Spa)

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is found.

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Extra annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

We’re looking for a confident and compassionate LGBTQ+ Project Worker to join our supported housing team working across Brighton and Eastbourne.

This isn’t just a support role, it’s a frontline position that requires emotional resilience, excellent communication skills, and a grounded understanding of what it means to work in a supported housing environment. The people we work with often face intersecting challenges including mental health, trauma, identity-based discrimination, and housing insecurity. Your job will be to help them navigate these realities and move toward independent living with dignity, strength, and stability.

You’ll need to thrive in a role where no two days are the same. From conversations around rent and cleaning routines to complex safeguarding issues or mental health disclosures, you’ll be expected to step in calmly and confidently, without shying away from challenge.

We’re seeking someone who builds positive working relationships with both residents and housing providers, can adapt to rapidly changing needs, and brings clarity, kindness, and consistency to their work no matter what’s going on that day.

While this role is based in Brighton, we operate as one team across both Eastbourne and Brighton. From time to time, you may be expected to provide cover at our Eastbourne accommodation when needed.

The advertised salary includes London Weighting. As such, you will be responsible for covering the cost of travel to London for our monthly all-staff meetings. If additional travel to London is required as part of your role, these costs will also need to be covered by you.

Key Responsibilities

· To provide a high quality, flexible and responsive support service to LGBTQ+ people, supporting them for independent living or suitable alternative housing through the provision of 1-1 support sessions and group work.

· To assess the individual needs of each person and provide a bespoke support plan.

· To ensure that effective service user participation mechanisms are in place.

· To ensure a high level of customer care and practice at all times.

· To develop links with relevant external agencies.

Main Duties of the Post

Support Sessions

· To give holistic support to LGBTQ+ people accessing our supported accommodation service and to provide proactive support to these service users who are sometimes hard to engage.

· To meet service users regularly to provide structured support, in relation to LGBTQ+ and Housing specific issues, such as gender identity pathways, mental health services, health issues, safeguarding, liaising with the professional network.

· To work with LGBTQ+ people accessing supported accommodation to develop and review individual support plans and risk assessments.

· To liaise with other service providers ensuring service users receive the necessary support to sustain their accommodation, acquire relevant independent living skills, maintain or improve positive physical and mental health and access into meaningful occupation of their time.

Financial Support

· To assist service users in maximising and managing their income including universal credit, ESA, PIP and Housing Benefit.

Semi-independent Living Support

· To work with service users to enable them to develop the life and social skills necessary to sustain their accommodation and prepare them for independent living.

· To assess individual service user’s suitability for independent accommodation.

· To act quickly to manage incidents and to advise, support and assist service users unable to maintain supported accommodation into more appropriate housing options.

Resettlement

· To support service users in the completion of application forms necessary to support move-on housing, including the private rented sector.

· To ensure that all service users are provided with information about local services whilst in supported accommodation and during their move on.

· To ensure all service users are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities in their home.

· To work with housing providers, both public and private, to negotiate move on options.

Groupwork, Consultation and Participation

· To work as part of a team in developing user participation.

· To identify and develop appropriate and flexible processes for consulting with our service users, via social media platforms, newsletters, events and workshops.

· To devise innovative and creative ways of involving LGBTQ+ people in the running of the schemes with an independent approach.

· Supporting our residents to participate in group and peer support and to access online support mechanisms.

· Facilitating and promoting an LGBTQ+ group work programme.

Other Duties

· To establish and maintain accurate and complete records in all areas of work.

· To complete statistics for the collation of performance and funding information.

· To maintain up to date knowledge of legislation and regulations in relation to funders and other key areas.

· To participate in individual and clinical supervision meetings, annual appraisals and training.

· To act in accordance with the organisation’s Diversity Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Code of Conduct and all other corporate policies and procedures.

· To act in the best interests of Stonewall Housing and its clients at all times.

· To work evenings as necessary.

· To promote Stonewall Housing at external meetings and community events.

· To carry out any other duties commensurate with the aims and objectives of the post that may be require.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Experience

·       Lived experience, or experience of working with homeless people or vulnerable LGBTQ+ people, in a voluntary or paid employment setting.

· Experience of working with and delivering services to a diverse client group with a wide range of support needs.

· Experience of lone working and working as part of team.

Essential Knowledge

· Knowledge and understanding of the causes and effects of homelessness, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ people.

· Knowledge of the current benefits available to single people.

· Knowledge of common themes, trends and issues within supported and shared accommodation.

· Knowledge of pathways into medical and social support for LGBTQ+ people.

Essential Skills and Abilities

· Ability to provide a range of housing related support services, i.e. assessment, developing and using support plans, support planning, key working, independent living support, welfare benefits advice and providing resettlement support.

· Ability to manage challenging behaviour and complex needs, report and raise incidents and safeguarding alerts.

· Ability to prioritise and maintain case work across multiple projects at the same time.

· Excellent recording and reporting skills to accurately reflect work with young people.

· Excellent written and verbal communication with vulnerable people.

· Ability to effectively involve and engage LGBTQ+ people in services.

· To be resilient in regard to working with challenging behaviour from service users who may have experienced trauma leading them to be mistrustful of support providers.

As with all members of Stonewall Housing’s Team, the postholder will also:

· Be an adept and nimble multitasker who relishes being busy and can keep multiple plates spinning.

· Have strong networking and relationship-building skills.

· Have a positive and can-do attitude.

· Be able to adapt to changing circumstances with flexibility, and to work well under pressure.

· Be required to support the wider Stonewall Housing team when needed, to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.

· Join Stonewall Housing’s All Team meeting in person (held near Liverpool Street Station) once per month.

· Be able to travel occasionally around the UK for key events.

· To work as part of a mostly-remote team, embracing online communication and collaboration tools.

· To receive regular supervision from the line manager and attend training courses as required.

Your attitude and personal attributes

· A commitment to equal opportunities in all aspects of work.

· A commitment to the aims, values and beliefs of the organisation.

· Ability to empathise with vulnerable LGBTQ+ people.

Conditions:

This job description does not constitute a ‘terms and conditions of employment’. It is provided only as a guide to assist the employee in the performance of their job. Stonewall Housing is an evolving organisation and therefore changes to the employees’ duties may be necessary from time to time. The job description is not intended to be inflexible or a finite list of tasks and may be varied from time to time after consultation/discussion with the post holder.

More about who we are:

Stonewall Housing is the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ homelessness charity. We help LGBTQ+ people in the UK who are experiencing homelessness or living in an unsafe environment.

Founded in 1983, we provide specialist housing advice, advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We have specialisms in Mental Health, Domestic Abuse and Supported Accommodation.

We’re a team of caring, driven people, fighting to end homelessness and ensure that everyone has a safe and secure space to call home.

Our Values:

· We are LGBTQ+ informed.

· We are tenacious.

· We are empowering.

· We are collaborative.

· We are inclusive.

What we can offer you:

Whatever stage of your career you may be at, we’ll support you with the training and development that you to reach your goals.

Our benefits include:

· Competitive salary

· Flexible working

· Generous annual leave – 30 days (FTE)

· An additional ‘Stonewall Housing’ day off per year

· Pension scheme

· Employee Assistance Programme

· BHSF health cash  plan

Stonewall Housing’s core hours are between 10:00 – 16:00 and staff can agree regular working patterns with their line manager.

Applying for the role:

No formal qualifications are needed for this role, and we encourage everyone with the appropriate skills, experience and potential to apply. We welcome applications from those who are able to understand and show empathy with our mission and purpose.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents the people we support. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Black, Asian or from other minority backgrounds. We welcome difference whether it’s gender, gender identity or expression, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, national origin, or pregnancy and maternity status; so please be yourself! Additionally, we particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of homelessness who we believe are an essential asset in our sector.

For more information about us, please visit our website and follow Stonewall Housing on our social channels.

Equity is important to the success of our team and work. We don’t want any barriers to applying so if you want to discuss particular aspects of our approach, or get a better understanding of whether Stonewall Housing (or this role) is right for you, then please contact John, our Director of Services, on john[at]stonewallhousing[dot]org.

Interesting in researching more about us? If you're looking us up online to help with your application, bear in mind that Stonewall Housing is both a Community Benefit Society and Charitable Foundation. Our company number is IP24277R and our charity number is 1187437. You can find Stonewall Housing Charitable Foundation (SHCF) on the Charity Commission Register, and Stonewall Housing Association (SHA) on the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) Register.

We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead our Finance Team and ensure the smooth running of the department. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, you will play a key role in delivering accurate financial reporting, managing budgets, and driving process improvements.

You will oversee the production of Monthly Management Accounts, Budget Variance Reports, and ensure all Balance Sheet reconciliations are completed accurately. This role involves close collaboration with budget holders and other departments, providing clear and meaningful financial information to support decision-making.

You’ll be part of a values-driven organisation committed to making a difference. We offer a supportive environment where your expertise will help shape the future of our finance function.

Please note, this role requires two years post qualification experience in ACCA, ACA or SIMA & experience of people management. Charity experience is also preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support the Finance Team
• Oversee day-to-day financial transactions using Xero
• Prepare monthly management accounts and budget reports
• Reconcile control accounts and investigate discrepancies
• Assist with annual budget setting and system updates
• Handle VAT (including partial exemption)
• Liaise with auditors and prepare annual accounts
• Identify and implement efficiencies and controls
• Contribute to updating finance policies and procedures

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.   

Our services include:    

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values 

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description. 

Please note, this job will remain open till 09/01/2026, however we will be conducting screening interviews as applications come in.

Salary: £40,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week across 5 days

Location: Leamington Spa

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service    
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality:   

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

About Us

Caritas Diocese of Salford is the principal social action agency of the Catholic Diocese. Our mission is to put Love Into Action. We help those across Greater Manchester and Lancashire experiencing poverty, disadvantage, and discrimination to transform their lives with dignity. We provide a practical response to those in crisis, suffering hardship or who are at risk. We rebuild lives for the long-term, enabling people to live in a safe, healthy, and secure environment. We call for a better, more just world, where the voices of the poor are heard and acted upon and positively influence the systems, decisions and resources that affect those in need.

About the job

We are looking to recruit a Grants and Foundations Manager to join Caritas Salford’s fundraising team. You will be part of a team that is passionate about tackling poverty and inequality, where your work will have a real and visible impact. Your focus will be on maintaining and growing income from charitable trusts and statutory agencies.

The Grants and Foundations Manager position is ideal for someone with previous experience of income generation and a proven success in securing funding from trusts and grant making bodies. You will work closely with senior and service managers, to research new funding opportunities, building and sustaining strong relationships with new and existing funders. You will prepare grant applications and maintain a comprehensive database of funders, opportunities and grant applications, in addition to managing and evaluating bids to ensure optimal outcomes.

You will be highly organised with excellent written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to produce clear, compelling and persuasive proposals. Additionally, you will have strong relationship building skills, with the ability to engage and grow income from a wide range of supporters.

A high level of computer literacy and IT skills, including Microsoft Office and CRM is essential.

If this sounds like the next step you are looking for and you would like to work for an organisation passionate about transforming lives, we would love to hear from you!

37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday with occasional evening and weekends required.

Part time would be considered

Flexibility to work remotely, with regular visits to Caritas services across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to interview/ appoint before the closing date. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.

To apply, please complete an application form and click the link in the advert to be redirected to the Caritas website. You will need to click Apply Now next to the Grants and Foundations Manager role, complete the necessary information and upload your application form plus any supporting documents.

Closing date: Thursday, 8 January 2026 at 9am

Interview: Monday, 19 and/or Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Caritas follows Safer Recruitment practices, and this post is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service check. 

For full details please visit Caritas Diocese of Salford - Caritas | Diocese Of Salford – About - Careers

Caritas Diocese of Salford is an equal opportunities employer

Registered Charity Number: 1125808

Please note we do not accept applications via agencies or CVs